ROCHELLE — At its monthly meeting Monday, the Rochelle Township High School Board of Education unanimously approved a new compensation plan for its maintenance department.

The change was recommended due to a rise in the state's minimum wage, various shift differentials and employee experience. District Superintendent Jason Harper said the new compensation will bring the department's compensation model into alignment.

"We've taken a look at it and gone through it and we think this is pretty balanced and fair and what needs to be done," District Business Manager Kevin Dale said.

Harper said the compensation change will take effect immediately. A similar change was also made to the maintenance department compensation by the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education earlier this month. 

Principal's report

During his presentation portion of the meeting, RTHS Principal Chris Lewis said final exams will start on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Final exams count for 15 percent of students' final grades. A recent school improvement day at RTHS was focused on preparing staff for final exams. Final exam make ups will take place at the beginning of January for students that are unable to take them this week. The first day of school following Christmas break is on Jan. 7, Lewis said.

Personnel

The board unanimously approved personnel changes during the meeting including the resignations of Josh Johnson (assistant boys basketball coach) and John Slattengren (bus driver) and the employment of Amanda Headon (FFA volunteer), Riley Lodico (assistant boys basketball coach) and Alix Sommers (long-term substitute teacher for spring 2025).

Next meetings

Due to holidays, the board's first two meetings of 2025 will be held on irregular days. The January board meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 and the February meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18. Meetings take place at 5:30 p.m. in the RTHS district office boardroom.