Meeting Summary: Mokena School District 159 Board for July 16, 2025

The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education took several significant actions at its July 16 meeting, including terminating a contract for summer construction work due to performance issues and reviewing the district’s progress on its long-term strategic plan.

The board voted to terminate its contract with Evans and Sons Blacktop for playground and parking lot improvements at two schools, citing breach of contract. The district, which withheld $140,000 in payment, is now working with its bonding company to hire a new contractor to finish the job before school starts.

Administrators also presented a comprehensive annual review of the district’s five-year strategic plan. The report highlighted accomplishments such as implementing a new 6-8 grade ELA curriculum, growing the orchestra program, upgrading technology infrastructure, and enhancing community communication. Future goals include rolling out a new advanced learner program and researching more efficient student data systems.

In other major business, the board approved moving forward with a $173,700 project to replace window shades at all three district schools during the summer of 2026. Separately, they authorized an emergency expenditure of up to $34,500 to replace two failing, 25-year-old hot water heaters at Mokena Junior High School. The board also received a preliminary draft of the fiscal year 2026 budget, beginning a two-month review process.

Additional items from the meeting are summarized below.

Board Meeting Recordings: The administration presented a plan to record and upload board meetings to a new district YouTube channel if the board decides to move forward. The video files would be linked in the district’s online board portal. A decision on whether to begin recording meetings is expected at the August 13 meeting.

New Student Information System: Director of Technology Lincoln Henson reported that the district’s new student database, Skyward Qmlativ, is now live, and registration and enrollment for the new school year are open. The system is also integrated with staff Google accounts, allowing most users to log in automatically with a single click.

Personnel Moves: The board approved the hiring of four new classified staff members: paraprofessionals Jennifer Chiappetti and Cynthia Raymond, lunch supervisor Amy Ellison, and building aide Kristen McRae. They also accepted the resignation of Speech-Language Pathologist Brittany Pospishil and approved a corrected contract for Student Services Coordinator Nicole Stec, whose annual salary is set at $99,586.

MJHS to Serve as Polling Place: Superintendent Robert Gurney informed the board that Mokena Junior High School will be used as a polling place for the March 17 election. Because the election will occur while school is in session, the district is reviewing its security procedures and considering potential calendar adjustments.

Community Engagement Praised: Board members and the superintendent praised the success of the district’s first-ever float in the Mokena 4th of July Parade, an endeavor spearheaded by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristin Johnson. Support for the Mokena Lions Club’s annual fundraiser at Younger Farm was also highlighted as a wonderful community event.

Lincoln-Way Co-op Report: Board liaison Anna Briscoe reported on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education 843 cooperative. The co-op’s governing board recently approved a $5 million cyber insurance limit after researching policies at surrounding districts. The next meeting is scheduled for July 22.