Mercer County SD #404 News

09/25/2026

09/24/2026

Want to join our team? The district is in need of bus monitors and bus drivers. Only available to be a substitute? We're interested in hearing from you. Contact the district office today!

09/23/2026

We’re ONE WEEK AWAY from the 4th Annual MC Art Collective Art Week, and we’d love to see you there!
ART GALA | Saturday, October 3 | Aledo Opera House
Join us for a celebration of our students, artists, schools and community, featuring student artwork from PK–12th grade, local artists, and live and silent auctions.
Floor admission is FREE! RSVP requested.
25% of each student artwork sale goes directly to the student artist.
Remaining proceeds support student arts experiences, scholarships and community arts programming & events.
RSVP for FREE admission or purchase VIP tickets:
https://aledooperahouse.com/movie/mc-art-gala
ART WALK | Sept. 28–Oct. 2
Prints of student artwork will be displayed throughout downtown Aledo all week.
Guided Art Walk | Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 PM
We’ll begin at Odd Betties and end in Central Park for the reveal of our community-created public art installation, “Paint the Town… In Bloom!”
Please help us spread the word! Forward this email, share our posts, invite your friends and family, and come celebrate with us!
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible. We can’t wait to see our community come together for an incredible week celebrating the arts!
Want a sneak peek at the artwork?
Visit our 2026 Art Gala Student Gallery to view the PK–12 artwork that will be featured at this year’s Gala:
https://www.mcartcollective.com/artist-gallery
Stay connected with MC Art Collective:
Facebook | Instagram | www.mcartcollective.com
We very much look forward to seeing you next week!

Join MC Art Collective for our 4th Annual Gala, Paint the Town: IN BLOOM! Enjoy an evening of art, music, auctions, and community. Please RSVP for seating. VIP tickets include exclusive perks and a signed, limited-edition artist print. Black Tie Optional4:30 PM - Before the Bid (on the patio, w...

09/17/2026

For any community member interested in running for the Mercer County Board of Education - petitions are available to be picked up at the Mercer County Courthouse. The election is on April 6, 2027, with the winners being sworn in late April or Early May. Petitions for those interested in running are available now and once completed are due back to the Courthouse starting November 16th. The final day to submit your petition to be placed on the ballet is November 23. School Board positions are elected to 4 year terms and serve on a voluntary basis. If you would like more information about the expectations and time commitment of a School Board Member, please reach out to any of our current Board Members or to the District Office.

09/17/2026

Art Week has become ART SEASON, and there’s a reason for this season!
This year, IN BLOOM is more than the theme of our 4th Annual Art Gala. It’s growing throughout our community.
From Paint the Town… IN BLOOM, our community-created art installation, to workshops, the Downtown Aledo Art Walk, the Art Gala, and a BIG reveal still to come !! Each event is connected by one idea: what can happen when art, people, and community grow together.
And tying it all together visually is the work of MCHS junior Zabrina Smith, who created the graphics for this year’s IN BLOOM theme! Her designs have helped give this entire season its own identity, and we’re so excited to watch them come to life in ways you haven’t seen yet.
So save this calendar, mark those dates, and join us as we Paint the Town… IN BLOOM!
Because Art Week may have become Art Season… but we’re just getting started.
The artist? YOU.
The canvas? Our community.

09/16/2026

VIP TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
We are pleased to announce that VIP/Mezzanine tickets for the 4th Annual MC Art Gala: IN BLOOM are now available!
Please use the link below to purchase VIP tickets OR RSVP for FREE floor admission.
FLOOR ADMISSION IS FREE!
We ask that you please RSVP for FREE floor admission so we know you’re coming and can plan accordingly for registration and attendance.
Your RSVP does not reserve a specific chair or seat. Floor admission is general admission, with room for both seating and standing. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
VIP / MEZZANINE SEATING — $50
Want a guaranteed upgraded seat? A limited number of VIP/Mezzanine seats are available around the outside of the ticket map.
VIP includes:
• Reserved mezzanine seating
• Signed, limited-edition artist print
• Expedited entry
21+ only — ID required at entry.
VIP/Mezzanine seating is limited, so once it’s gone, it’s gone!
RSVP for FREE floor admission or purchase VIP tickets here:
https://aledooperahouse.com/movie/mc-art-gala
We can’t wait to welcome you to IN BLOOM on October 3 at the Aledo Opera House!

Join MC Art Collective for our 4th Annual Gala, Paint the Town: IN BLOOM! Enjoy an evening of art, music, auctions, and community. Please RSVP for seating. VIP tickets include exclusive perks and a signed, limited-edition artist print. Black Tie Optional4:30 PM - Before the Bid (on the patio, w...

09/16/2026

This year, we’re adding a new element of mystery to our Art Gala!
There was a burglar in Mercer County that has stolen classic pieces of art and hid them all around the different businesses. We need your help to find them all!
Here's how you can help:
- Pick up a card at select locations to start the hunt.
- Locate at least 10 pieces of art.
- Have the business sign off that you found it on the card.
- Bring the completed card to the Art Gala event on Saturday, October 3rd to enter to win a free featured art piece!
Locations you can pick up a card:
Prairie Cones in Viola, IL
Bid's Bar & Grill in Keithsburg, IL
Mercer County YMCA in Aledo, IL
Mercer Market in Aledo, IL
We're relying on you Mercer County! Good luck and happy hunting