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Board approves personnel recommendations, several resignations and new hires for 2026-27
Summary
The board approved Personnel Recommendations VII C 1-8, recording multiple resignations and new hires including teachers with listed starting salaries; motions were approved by roll call as recorded.
Mokena School District 159’s board approved a package of personnel recommendations on June 17, covering resignations, revised DROs, position changes and new hires. The motion to approve Personnel Recommendations VII C 1-8 was made by Julie Oost and seconded by Lisa Zielinski and carried 5-0-0, subject to successful background checks and credential verification where applicable.
The minutes list resignations (for example, Ruben Cruz, Maintenance Staff, effective 06/17/2026; Katherine Jones, Bus Driver, end of 2025-26 school year) and new hires with 2026-27 salaries: Emma Connors, 8th Grade ELA teacher at MJH — $48,294; Tyler Gorman, Occupational Therapist — $58,570; Liam Gritsuk, PE Teacher at MES — $48,294; Jessica Lyons, 5th Grade Teacher at MIS — $48,294; Matt O’Malley, Specialized Instruction Teacher at MJH — $48,294. Several paraprofessionals and substitutes were also recorded as resigning at the end of the school year.
The minutes also note administrative adjustments (e.g., revised DRO for CSBO and that there is currently no District Treasurer). Personnel approvals were recorded as carried by roll call; the minutes specify effective dates for many entries but refer to background checks and credential verification as conditions for employment.
