Mr. Robert Gurney, Superintendent | Mokena School District 159
Mr. Robert Gurney, Superintendent | Mokena School District 159
The Illinois State Board of Education has awarded the Mokena School District 159’s Early Start Preschool Program the Gold Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois, the highest rating in the statewide early childhood quality system.
ExceleRate Illinois brings together all early childhood education programs under a single set of standards to help families assess local options. The program focuses on areas such as early learning and development, instructional quality, family engagement, staff credentials, professional development, and program management.
The Gold Circle of Quality is given to programs that meet or exceed specific benchmarks determined by an independent assessor.
Principal Rachel Chorley commented on the recognition: “Receiving the gold level status signifies the dedication everyone in the district has to providing our youngest learners with the highest quality educational foundation. The staff members are committed to implementing best practices in teaching, curriculum, family engagement, and continuous improvement. For me, personally, it is a moment of pride, as it reflects the staff's hard work and commitment to the Mokena community.”
Mokena’s Early Start Preschool Program serves three- and four-year-old students living within district boundaries. The play-based program aims to prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Director of Student Services Megan Mundt also recognized staff efforts: “The Student Services Department is incredibly proud of the Preschool for All Team for their unwavering commitment to nurturing our youngest learners, creating a truly inclusive environment, and continuously striving for growth and excellence. Earning Gold Level Status from the State of Illinois is a well-deserved recognition of their outstanding efforts and impact.”
Mokena School District 159 includes Mokena Elementary School, Mokena Intermediate School, and Mokena Junior High School in Will County. More information about these schools can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
According to state data from the Illinois State Board of Education, there are 97 teachers employed by Mokena School District 159 who earn an average salary of $61,802 before pension contributions; 85.2 percent are women while 14.8 percent are men. There are no teachers with more than ten absences per school year in this district (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
Demographically, Mokena School District 159 is comprised of approximately 85 percent White students; other groups include Black (2.7 percent), Hispanic (7.7 percent), and Asian (2.1 percent) students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
Financially, in 2020 Mokena School District 159 spent $23,197 per student for a total expenditure exceeding $35 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
For further details about preschool programming in Mokena School District 159 visit https://mes.mokena159.org/o/mes/page/twpreschool.
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