ROCHESTER, Minn. – In a rare look at in-process contract negotiations, the superintendent of Rochester schools, Kent Pekel, laid out details of the School Board’s offer to teachers. Negotiations have reached an impasse. In an open letter, Pekel addressed street talk around town about contact issues – some of it flat-out wrong, he suggested. Pekel listed these particulars in the School Board offer:
> Compensation increases would average $6,700 the first year with none less than be $3,900. There would be 2.17% more the second year.
> A.4% increase in the School Board budget over wo years. That, he said, would be one of the largest increases in any new contract deal in the state – and the largest increase in total compensation that Rochester teachers have received in 30 years.
> The School Board already has accepted 100% of increased health-care premiums, which, Pekel said have led to “significant increases” in take-home pay.
Verbatim
Pekel, in denying hiding or mismanaging funds: “The financial position of Rochester Public Schools is continually monitored not only by the State of Minnesota but also by the bond rating agencies that determine the rates we pay to borrow money for construction and a wide array of other essential expenses. Last year RPS received its fourth flawless external audit in a row, confirming that our school district adheres to the highest standards of financial management and public reporting of its resources.”