District Developments
News to Know related to D75 & D120
Mundelein's Got Talent! Shop Super Local!
Remember when we asked about your side businesses last month? We were amazed by the incredible entrepreneurial spirit right here in our workplace!
We've created a special Google Site - called Shop Super Local - showcasing all these amazing businesses. Think of it as our very own marketplace where you can discover unique products and services while supporting your colleagues. Whether you're looking for something special or just curious about what your coworkers are creating, take a browse and see what catches your eye.
Ready to Shop Super Local? Check out the site and show some love for the talented entrepreneurs we work with every day!
You'll notice there are D75 and D120 versions available – don't worry, the content is identical! We've simply set up domain-specific access to ensure your personal business information stays secure and isn't visible to anyone outside our districts.
**If you'd like to add your small business to this site, fill out the Shop Super Local form.
Shared Staff Spotlight
Mayra Laboy, Payroll Coordinator
I have worked in shared services for 3 years, but I’ve worked for D120 for 19 years, most of them in the Business Office.
What roles have you held in each district?
I started working in the Dean’s Office at D120, then transferred to the Business Office after a couple of months. In the Business Office, I’ve worked in Accounts Payable, then as a bookkeeper, and, most recently, as a shared services Payroll Coordinator.
Can you briefly summarize what you do in the business office?
In my current role, I make sure that payroll is processed correctly for district employees including contracted pay and extra duties. I also make sure that all deductions and benefits are properly processed, reported, and paid - these include federal and state taxes, retirement contributions, insurance payments, child support payments, annuities, and others. Lastly, I complete quarterly and annual reporting such as W2s, 941 federal tax forms, census, and retirement income reporting, among others.
Can you describe a specific project or initiative that benefited from the shared services approach?
The impact of shared services in the Business Office has been unique, particularly because we are supporting two separate financial entities. While we don't merge financial operations, the shared services model has allowed us to build a comprehensive, collaborative team that supports all business-related functions across both districts. One of the greatest benefits has been our ability to be more responsive – employees receive quicker, more consistent support when they have questions or concerns. Additionally, having a team with shared expertise gives us the opportunity to collaborate on complex or uncommon situations, improving decision-making and reducing the burden on any single individual. This model has enhanced both the quality and efficiency of our work, without compromising the autonomy of each district’s financial operations.
What’s a newly instituted payroll process that you think has impacted payroll in a positive way?
Since moving into the payroll role in January 2024, we’ve undertaken a complete overhaul of our internal processes to help reduce pay-related errors. While many of these improvements happen behind the scenes and may not be immediately visible to staff, one change that has had a noticeable impact is how we handle payments for extra duties where we now include more detailed descriptions with each payment, so employees have a clearer understanding of what they’re being compensated for. Additionally, we’ve started attaching the submitted timesheets directly to the payment record. This allows employees to review exactly what was submitted to payroll and see a transparent breakdown of the hours or duties they were paid for.
Being a seasoned employee, what’s your favorite part of working for our Mundelein School Districts?
Without a doubt, my favorite part is serving this incredible community. As both a resident and a parent whose son graduated from District 75 and District 120 schools, I have a deep personal connection to our schools. I've always enjoyed being part of the many activities that bring us together—homecoming, sports, dances, and other extracurricular events. These moments truly reflect the spirit of Mundelein and remind me why I’m so proud to work here.
Answer:
The monarch butterfly. A migrating monarch can travel up to 100 miles a day.
