Meeting Summary and Briefs: Mokena School District 159 for January 21, 2026

Mokena School District 159 Meeting | January 21, 2026

Overall Meeting Summary
The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education met on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, addressing a mix of student achievements, governance issues, and facility upgrades. While the meeting opened with a celebration of the DARE program essay winners, the business portion of the meeting saw split votes regarding the approval of minutes and policy updates. Board Member Kelli MacMillan pushed for greater detail in public records and more transparency regarding how policies are executed and how bills are reviewed.

Despite the governance debates, the board moved forward with essential business, awarding a $136,400 contract for window blinds and approving a financial abatement to address a fund deficit. The administration also provided updates on summer staffing and upcoming capital improvement projects.

News Briefs

Finance Committee Seeks Members:
The district is seeking two community representatives to serve a two-year term on the Finance Committee. A Google form for interested applicants is available in the monthly newsletter. The deadline for submission is March 1, 2026. Applicants will be invited to observe the next Finance Committee meeting on March 9, 2026, where the five-year financial projections and capital plan will be reviewed.

Summer Hours Approved:
The board approved the 2026 summer hours for MCSA staff. The schedule will run from June 1 through July 31. Employees working 7.5 hours will work Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while 8.0-hour employees will work from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Offices will be closed on Fridays during this period to ensure the district functions effectively while accommodating staff schedules.

Traffic Flow Improvements:
Board members and administration praised recent changes to traffic control and signage around the schools. The collaboration between the district and the Village of Mokena, specifically regarding left-hand turn restrictions, has reportedly resulted in smoother traffic flow during drop-off and pick-up times.

Mokena Miracles Fundraiser:
The “Penny Wars” fundraiser for Mokena Miracles was a success, raising a total of $2,536.24 between Mokena Elementary School (MES) and Mokena Intermediate School (MIS). While the final total for the Junior High was not yet available, it is estimated to be over $1,500. Notably, the kindergarten class alone raised over $4,000 to support families in the community.

District 843 Services Continued:
The board approved the continuation of services with the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 for the 2025-2026 school year. This renewal ensures the continued provision of tuition programs, itinerant services (hearing/visually impaired, OT/PT), and other specialized support for students. A review of alternatives was reportedly conducted several years ago, confirming the current partnership remains beneficial.