Rochester Schools Cut Top Level Jobs to Address Budget Gap

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester School Board recently approved a reorganization of top-level administrative positions as part of the school district’s ongoing efforts to address an $8.3 million budget deficit.

Administrative Reorganization

Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel shared details about the reorganization plan during his monthly appearance on News-Talk 1340 KROC-AM and 96.9 FM with Andy Brownell on Rochester Today.

Click on the link below to listen to the entire program.

Budget Cutting Move

Superintendent Pekel says the changes at the top of the school district’s administration will result in nearly $500,000 in annual savings and follow previous job cuts impacting dozens of other personnel at the classroom level, including teachers and education support professionals. He says the administrative reductions involve both cabinet-level positions and the next layer of directors.

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Four Positions Cut

Pekel says four positions are being eliminated as of July 1. The affected positions are:

• Executive Director of Community Education and Partnerships
• Executive Director of Family Engagement and Youth Empowerment
• Director of Positive Behavioral Supports
• Director of School Leadership and Improvement

The reorganization plan also calls for the creation of two new positions:

• Executive Director of Learning Environments
• Director of Equity and Organizational Development

High Level Vacancy Filled

Superintendent Pekel also discussed the selection of a longtime school district employee to fill a key leadership vacancy resulting from the departure of Chief Administrative Officer John Carlson for a job in the private sector. Pekel says it has been decided that Jacque Peterson will take over those duties under the title of Chief Operating Officer.

ALSO SEE: Rochester School District Middle School Career Exploration Plans

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High School Students on Public Transit Buses

The discussion on Rochester Today also included the recent release of updated high school graduation statistics and a pilot program that allows high school students to access free rides on Rochester Public Transit buses.