Rochester School Board Approves Raise for Superintendent

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester School Board has approved a new contract for the district’s Superintendent.

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Negotiations for the contract extension began in July and the elected leaders approved the new deal Tuesday night.

Superintendent Kent Pekel's current contract was set to expire on June 30 of 2025.

Rochester Public Schools Super Intendent Kent Pekel Gets Pay Raise in Newly Approved Contract

The board signed off a new contract that increases Pekel's annual salary to $242,000 for the first year, followed by $10,000 increases in each of the next two years.

Also included in the new compensation package is a tax-sheltered annuity with a matching contribution and a monthly automobile allowance.

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“I am honored by the School Board’s confidence in me.” said Superintendent Pekel. “Over the past three years, we have laid the groundwork for major improvements in student learning, and I am thrilled that I will have the opportunity to build on that work in the years ahead.”

Pekel came to the Rochester Public Schools as an interim Superintendent in 2021 and accepted the position on a permanent basis the following year.

Rochester Public Schools

Earlier this month, school district voters voted strongly in favor of a $20 million per year operating levy to support the Rochester Public Schools. The approval vote follows the narrow rejection of a $10 million per year referendum in 2023.

Pekel’s new contract takes effect on July 1, 2025 and lasts until June of 2028.