Meeting Briefs: Mokena School District 159 for June 18, 2025

The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education met on June 18, 2025. The board approved an amended budget for the upcoming fiscal year after significant debate. It also signaled support for recording meetings, adopted new curricula for social-emotional learning and career readiness, and heard reports on student academic progress.

In a 6-1 vote, the board approved an amended fiscal year 2025 budget following criticism from board member Kelli MacMillan and some residents regarding a projected $1.96 million deficit and the budget’s transparency. The administration and the district’s auditor defended the financial plan, stating that the deficit is a planned, one-time result of project payment timing and that all reporting is compliant with state guidelines. MacMillan was the sole dissenting vote.

Following a push from five residents during public comment, the Mokena 159 school board expressed support for recording its meetings and making them available to the public. While members were in favor of the transparency measure, they noted that logistical questions regarding cost, legal issues, and staff responsibility must be answered before moving forward.

The board unanimously approved the adoption of “Wayfinder,” a new social-emotional learning curriculum for Mokena Junior High School, for the 2025-2026 school year. The program was selected after a seven-month review by a staff committee and is intended to help students develop skills for postsecondary success. The annual cost for licensing and materials is approximately $11,750.

District principals presented end-of-year updates on their School Improvement Plans, highlighting academic gains with a strong focus on enhancing student writing skills across all grade levels. The reports detailed the use of specific writing frameworks and responsive teaching strategies to help students meet proficiency goals in ELA and math.

Federal Grant Planning Approved
The board unanimously approved the district’s 2025-2026 Consolidated District Plan. According to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristin Johnson, this plan is the crucial first step in the application process for federal grants, including Title I and II funding. The plan outlines the district’s needs and goals, which have remained consistent over the past several years.

Career Readiness Framework Adopted
The board formally adopted the Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework for grades 6-8. This state-developed framework is designed to provide students with guided exploration of college and career options during middle school. The adoption aligns with the district’s newly selected “Wayfinder” social-emotional learning curriculum, which incorporates PACE goals.

Principal to Retire, New Administrator Hired
The board approved several personnel changes, including the retirement of David McAtee, longtime principal of Mokena Intermediate School, effective June 30, 2028. The board also approved the hiring of Stephanie Levy as a new Assistant Principal for the district, starting July 21, 2025. Additionally, the board accepted the resignations of two bus drivers, James Cieslik and William Schroeder.

Summer Projects and Future Capital Plans
The board approved summer painting projects totaling $19,720 for various rooms across the district. Chief School Business Official Dr. Teri Shaw also updated the board on plans for a major district-wide window blind replacement project scheduled for the summer of 2026, with an estimated total project cost of $173,700.

District to Review Major Policy Updates
The Policy Committee presented a first read of PRESS Issue 118 from the Illinois Association of School Boards. The update includes significant policy changes driven by new state and federal laws, including a reversion to 2020 Title IX regulations, new policies regarding artificial intelligence in schools, and new requirements to support students who are parents or victims of domestic violence.