District 159 Approves Working Cash Abatement and New Superintendent Goals

Mokena School District 159 Meeting | December 17, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena District 159 Board on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, approved a series of administrative and financial measures, including a fund transfer to bolster the Education Fund and a new set of performance benchmarks for Superintendent Robert Gurney.

Board Action Key Points:

• The board authorized abating $110,000 from the Working Cash Fund into the Education Fund, along with a $150,000 interest transfer.

• Superintendent Robert Gurney’s performance goals for 2025-2026 were approved, focusing on student achievement, staff support, and community communication.

• A renewal for workers’ compensation insurance was approved for the 2026-2027 year, featuring a significant $16,879 premium decrease.

The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education took several steps to stabilize district finances and governance during its regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

A primary action was the approval of a resolution to abate $110,000 from the district’s Working Cash Fund into the Education Fund. The move also included the transfer of $150,000 in interest. While Board Member Kelli MacMillan had opposed similar abatements to other funds in the past, she supported this measure because it specifically targeted the Education Fund, which is currently facing a deficit.

The board also formalized Superintendent Robert Gurney’s contract goals for the 2025-2026 school year. These goals include leading administrative teams in implementing school improvement plans, improving staff culture and climate through “Bagels with Bob” feedback sessions, and enhancing community communication through a listening tour.

In a rare instance of decreasing costs, the board approved the 2026-2027 Workers’ Compensation renewal with Alliant Insurance Services. The new proposal includes a total premium decrease of $16,879 compared to the previous year. Dr. Teri Shaw, CSBO, noted the decrease was driven by a favorable five-year loss ratio and a new $6,388 safety grant from the Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF).

“Congratulations to Dr. Shaw and the team,” Board President Jim Andre said. “You don’t hear about decreases in the insurance world very often.”