Mokena School District 159

The meeting commenced with the Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included introductions by committee members, an overview of the committee's purpose, sharing celebrations across the district, and gathering feedback on the 2025/2026 academic calendar and planned communications for the same period, such as Mokena Moments and community listening sessions. The review of the Parent Student Handbook was postponed until the February meeting. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.

Key discussions during the meeting included recognizing the school-wide winners of the DARE reflection essay contest. Action items addressed the approval of monthly bills and personnel recommendations, which included contract changes, resignations, and retirements. The Board approved the 2026 Summer Hours and awarded the bid for the Window Blinds Replacement Project to Sypur Construction not to exceed $136,400. Further actions included approving the annual list of depositories and investment manager, adopting PRESS policy updates, approving the resolution to abate the working cash fund, and approving the continuation of District 843 Services for the 2026-2027 school year. Information reports covered upcoming Finance Committee topics, a recent audit review, and financial reports indicating cash and investments as of December 31, 2025.

The meeting included a student spotlight on Girls in STEM, showcasing student work. The Board received staff communication, including an update on the SELF and STLR programs. A Truth in Taxation Hearing was held concerning the 2025 Levy, during which no public comments were received, and the hearing was subsequently adjourned back to Open Session. Action items included the approval of the District Bills, personnel recommendations for new hires and position changes, approval of the 2026-2027 Worker's Compensation Renewal, approval for adding novels to the District novel list, adoption of the 2025 Tax Levy resolution, approval of Superintendent Goals for the 2025-2026 school year, and approval of a resolution abating the working cash fund. Information reports covered the Finance, Policy, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, CSBO, Technology, and Principal reports, along with financial status updates.

The meeting included a student spotlight featuring 2nd and 6th-grade advanced learners in ELA, and recognition of Crossing Guard Kay Oehmen for 40 years of service. The board also acknowledged receiving a Communications Award from the INSPRA. Presentations covered the 2025 Tax Levy and Illinois State Assessments and Report Card data. The board discussed and approved various action requests, including district bills, personnel recommendations, disposal of material, the use of a novel in the 8th-grade science curriculum, PTA donations, the tentative tax levy, an ISBE Maintenance Grant, and a resolution abating the Working Cash Fund of the District. Additionally, they addressed the IASB Delegate Assembly regarding school bus safety funding. Information reports were given by various committee members and staff, covering finance, policy, superintendent updates, assistant superintendent updates, student services, business official updates, financial reports, technology updates, principals' reports, and special education updates.

The meeting included a student spotlight on art from Mokena Elementary, Mokena Intermediate and Mokena Junior High. Public communication addressed support for the Volley for the Cure game, concerns regarding taxes, and comments from community listening sessions. A presentation of the annual audit highlighted a clean audit with no findings. School Improvement Plans were updated, focusing on increasing writing proficiency and building school community. Personnel recommendations were approved, including changes in positions and retirements. Consent agenda items, MOU CDL Licensure, MOU-MCSA CDL, MOU- MCSA Substitute ParaProfessional by Building Aid, Adoption of PRESS Policy Updates, and MJH Storage Shed Project were also approved. Information reports covered finance, policy, superintendent, assistant superintendent, student services, business official, financial reports, technology, and principals' updates. The meeting adjourned to a closed session for personnel, collective bargaining, security procedures, and litigation.