COMMEND-DR. BRIAN MENTZER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jay Hoffman

Non-binding HR 414 commends Dr. Brian Mentzer for decades of educational leadership at Belleville Township High School District 201, a ceremonial honor with no legal effect.

Resolution Adopted

Overview / Purpose

HR 414 is a non‑binding House resolution that formally commends Dr. Brian Mentzer for his years of service to Belleville Township High School District 201 and recognizes his contributions to students, staff, and the wider Belleville community. The resolution is ceremonial in nature — it expresses the Legislature’s esteem and directs that a copy be presented to Dr. Mentzer.

Key provisions and findings

Officially commends Dr. Brian Mentzer for his career and leadership in education.

Recites Dr. Mentzer’s professional background and accomplishments:

Began career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Education (1998); taught in Belleville Elementary District 118 until 2004.
Earned a Master of Science in Education while teaching.
Served as principal, director of Title I, and director of Buildings and Grounds (2004–2010).
Obtained Type 75 superintendent certification in 2007.
Superintendent of Millstadt CCSD 160 (2010); Assistant Superintendent of Belleville Township High School District 201 (2012).
Earned a doctorate in educational leadership (2018); became superintendent of Belleville Township High School District 201 in 2020.
Led or supported expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, culminating in the opening of the C.A.V.E. (Center for Academic & Vocational Excellence) in August 2022.
Oversaw initiatives that produced operational efficiencies (e.g., establishment of an employee health center reported to yield district cost savings).
Service and membership in professional and community organizations (Illinois Association of School Administrators; Illinois Association of School Business Officials; Illinois Principals Association; Ainad‑Shriners; local United Way and chamber boards; community association leadership).

Directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to Dr. Mentzer as a token of respect.

Who is affected / Impact

Primary subject: Dr. Brian Mentzer — the resolution honors his professional record.

Secondary parties: Belleville Township High School District 201 and local community stakeholders receive public recognition of district accomplishments tied to his leadership.

Legal/economic impact: None — this is a ceremonial resolution with no force of law, budgetary effect, or policy change.

Procedural history / Timeline

Introduced: January 15, 2025 (filed and referred to committee that day).

Legislative steps (selected): House readings and placement on calendars in late February–March 2025; placed on Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions calendar; laid before the House and adopted March 13, 2025; reported enrolled March 14, 2025.

Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman: June 5, 2025.

Additional entry: placed on Agreed Resolutions calendar and adopted October 14, 2025 (per provided actions).

Sponsors (as listed in materials): Gus M. Bilirakis; Jasmine Clark; Arlene Beckles; Dewey McClain; Billy Mitchell; Ruwa Romman; Gabe Okoye; Jay Hoffman (primary sponsors listed).

Notes / Document irregularity

The materials provided also contain a separate resolution text commending the Duluth Fall Festival (LC 112 3178), which appears unrelated to the Dr. Mentzer resolution and reflects a different jurisdictional/subject matter instance. The primary substantive summary above focuses on HR 414 as the resolution commending Dr. Brian Mentzer (Illinois House Resolution 414, 104th General Assembly).

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