MENDOTA – The Mendota High School Board of Education met on April 22 for a regular meeting and board reorganization. After the April 1 election canvassing of votes, the school board organization meeting was held.

The Administration of the Oath of Office was issued to the new board members – incumbents Aaron Elston, Jim Lauer, Jim Strouss, and Jim Sundberg. The President Pro Tem was appointed, and the meeting of the new school board was called to order. Nominations and elections were held for board officers. The following officers were selected: Lauer, president; Sundberg, vice president; Megan Faber, secretary. The board set dates, times, and locations for regular board meetings in the 2025-2026 school year. The board will continue to meet on the third Monday of the month, except when school is not in session on a Monday, and then they will meet on Tuesday of that month. The board will not schedule a regular meeting in July. Meetings start at 6 p.m. in the MHS board room.

BOARD REPORT

Board member reports included the Fall bid requests from the Athletic Committee. The Fall bids were approved, and Strouss shared that the Mendota Quarterback Club will make several thousand dollars in football equipment purchases. The board thanked the Quarterback Club for its support.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Joe Masini provided the Principal’s Report. The Athletic Handbook for 2025-2026 was discussed, and its approval was tabled.

The 8th Grade Orientation visit will be on May 8.

The ACT and PSAT tests were administered with almost perfect attendance.

Mendota Elementary District 289 is interested in continuing the 8th Grade Exploratory Agriculture Class at Northbrook for next year.

Masini gave commendations and congratulations to Lauren Holland, Ivan Botello, Bailey Ryan and Blake Bute for finishing in second place at a recent JA Titans event. Each student won a $750 scholarship and was offered an opportunity to compete at the national level in Atlanta, Ga., in June.

Masini also commended Karson Sundberg, Daniel Pierce, Jessica Reel, Leah Stamberger, Maren Atherton and Hannah Mann for winning the District 2 Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event (LDE) held at Joliet Junior College on March 26. This victory qualified them for the State Parliamentary Procedure LDE on May 1 at Illinois Central College in East Peoria.

Masini also recognized the MHS Music Department for the IHSA Class B 4th place in State.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Denise Aughenbaugh presented the Superintendent’s Report.

The third quarter revenues and expenditures were reviewed. The district has received tax levy revenue as anticipated. There is a decrease of $265,296 in the Corporate Personal Property Tax revenue received at this point. It is anticipated that the CPPRT revenue will continue to decline. Expenditures are in line with the budget.

Non-Certified Staff were recommended for the 2025-2026 school year. A Resolution for the State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program was passed.

Bus bids and trades were reviewed and discussed. The board approved a 2025-2026 purchase of a used 2024 Blue Bird Vision, gas, 54-passenger bus for $109,500 and 2022 Blue Bird Lift Bus (wheelchair) for $82,500. Trade-ins will be made for bus #7, #12, and #25. The total purchase will be for $187,500.

The summer flooring project was reviewed and discussed. A presentation was given on the Resinous Flooring Process. A demonstration or mock-up floor was installed for the board to consider. The board approved Key Resin resinous flooring, color, and vinyl base color. The carpet recommendations and colors were selected for the building. Summer health life safety repairs with the flooring and masonry work will begin on May 30. Summer activities will be planned according to the construction schedule.

MHS District 280 thanks the Mendota Elementary District 289 for allowing the Summer Music program to be hosted at Northbrook School during the June construction. The high school also thanks the Mendota YMCA for offering weightlifting equipment and support during the June construction period.

PERSONNEL ITEMS

After a closed/executive session was held and a return to open session, the board took the following action:

• Hired Eric Hatcher as a bus driver, Zachary Horton as a Spanish/ESL teacher, Cathy Hall, as second shift custodian, and Katrina Flahive as football cheerleading coach.
• Hired winter sports head and assistant coaches: boys’ basketball–Steve Wasmer, Nick Ganz, Ryan Reeder, Nate Hachenberger; girls’ basketball–John Hansen, Matt Gehm, Joe Hughes, Gary Barrera; boys’/girls’ bowling–Matt Bauer.
• Hired volunteer coaches: Bryant Eustice, football; Anna Weber, football cheerleading; Dan Doyle, softball.
• Hired two summer student custodial workers, Marco Balcazar and Caeleb Ensor.
• Accepted the resignation of long-time head wrestling coach Dale Meyers, with regret.
• Approved the 2025-2026 non-certified staff raises.

The next regular meeting of the District 280 Board will be Monday, May 19 at 6 p.m.