MENDOTA - The Mendota High School Board of Education held their April 20 regular meeting via Zoom. With all Illinois schools closed by Governor Pritzker for the remainder of the school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many unprecedented decisions have been made by school boards and many are yet to be determined.

Remote Learning will continue for the rest of the school year. The last day of school for MHS will be May 13, which is earlier than originally scheduled because school was held through most of spring break.

Superintendent Jeff Prusator said there is a long list of decisions to make, which they are working on, but the biggest is graduation. “We will not cancel graduation but we are waiting until the end of the month to see what the governor says about having gatherings,” he told the board. “Graduation is likely to be postponed but we are going to do what we can to have it.”

As dates are changed and decisions are made, e-mail correspondence will be sent to MHS families and students providing details. Decisions are expected to start being finalized next week and continue as plans are established.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Personnel

The board approved the hiring recommendation of several new teachers. Principal Denise Aughenbaugh said during the school closure, virtual interviews were conducted using Zoom.

Science - Nicole Cromwell of LaMoille was hired as a science teacher. Cromwell has 13 years teaching experience. She has taught all levels of chemistry and also has work experience at companies such as Abbott Laboratories. The annual S.T.E.A.M. event at IVCC was co-created by Cromwell while she was teaching at LaMoille.

Band - Paula Tuttle-Baker was selected for the position of band director. As a former volunteer for the MHS band program, she is well known at MHS and came highly recommended. Tuttle-Baker is currently employed at LaSalle-Peru High School. She and Jon Steben will work collaboratively as co-teachers and co-directors in the fine arts department.

Instructional Coach - Brock Zinke was approved as instructional coach. He will teach 60 percent social science/driver’s education and serve 40 percent as instructional coach.

Athletic Budget

A recommendation from the Athletic Committee for fall athletic bids was presented by Aughenbaugh. The $10,506 bid, which includes 21 new football helmets, was approved by the board.

8th Grade Orientation

Aughenbaugh said the 8th grade transition day for incoming freshmen, Class of 2024, will be a virtual tour. Mr. Hanson, freshman dean, will design the virtual tour and everyone will be notified when it is ready.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

The board approved a refund of spring participation fees including spring athletics, musical and show choir. They also adopted an updated Board Policy Manual, which will now be available online and automatically updated by the state.

Approval was given to an agreement with Mendota District 289 and Holy Cross School for Algebra I. The class is held first hour and has worked very well. “We appreciate the cooperation from District 280 and Holy Cross,” Prusator said. “We have about 22 students participate and we have received positive feedback from parents.”

In closing, Prusator expressed his appreciation for the support the school has received throughout the shut down. “I want to thank the parents and community for being so supportive during this time,” he said. “I know it is stressful and frustrating for everyone but the teachers have been working hard to find creative ways to continue teaching students and we really appreciate everyone’s support.”