MENDOTA – The Mendota High School District 280 Board of Education heard a preliminary report on the 2024 tax levy and handled personnel items at its Nov. 8 regular meeting.

Superintendent Denise Aughenbaugh gave figures on the tax levy. The total EAV (equalized assessed valuation) estimates for the three counties in the district have increased. The figure is $12.1 million in Bureau County, $239.6 million in LaSalle County and $62.5 million in Lee County. The estimated EAV total is $314,396,212, which is up about 7.48%. The 2023 extension was $5.9 million and the requested levy for 2024 is $6.4 million. The increase is estimated to be 7.77% and will require a Truth in Taxation hearing. The requested rate for MHS District 280 has decreased by approximately 5 cents down to $2.05.

The board set the Truth in Taxation hearing for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 in the MHS Board room.

The board gave consideration and approved the 2025 health insurance renewal. The Blue Cross Blue Shield medical rate increased by 4.3%, while there was no change for dental coverage.

The board reviewed and approved the amended calendar for 2024-25. The board declared Nov. 8 as a not in attendance day for the boys’ soccer team playing in the state tournament. The board approved May 27, 2025, as the final day of school.

The board had previously established Saturday, May 17 as graduation for the Class of 2025 and agreed that the start time will be 3 p.m.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

In the Athletic Committee report, the board accepted the resignation of Keegan Hill as head varsity football coach, Brock Zinke as assistant varsity football coach, Anna Weber as football cheerleading coach and Laura Schwingel as sophomore volleyball coach.

The board hired Gary Barrera as freshman girls’ basketball coach, and appointed Maddie Holdiman as a volunteer girls’ basketball coach and Kye Denault and Brent Montavon as volunteer wrestling coaches.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Principal Joe Masini gave a presentation on the 2024 Illinois School Report Card. The graduation rate is 84%, student mobility is 9%, chronic absenteeism is 20% (state average 26.3%), average district class size is 18 with student-to-teacher ratio at 16:1, enrollment is 473, low income is 54.5%, student attendance is 93.7% and ninth grade on track is 94.7%.

Masini reported that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission recognized MHS for attaining a financial aid application completion rate above 75% for the class of 2024, which puts the school in Silver Status.

The SAR and DAR recipients from the class of 2024 are Anthony Kelson and Makenzie Bean.

Seven seniors attained Illinois State Scholar recognition. They include Shelby Bentley, Lily Bokus, Quin Holland, Anthony Kelson, Samuel Matura, Korinne Miars and Kaley Siemer.

CLOSED SESSION

Following closed session, the board accepted the retirement notice of Kim Tyler as bus driver.

The next regular meeting of the District 280 Board of Education will be Monday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.