ROCORI board approves budget cuts, personnel nonrenewals and two $500 donations
March 10, 2026 | ROCORI PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota
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The ROCORI Public School District board on March 11 approved a package of budget reductions and multiple personnel actions, accepted two $500 community donations and approved an updated retire-rehire memorandum of understanding.
Board business began with procedural votes to adopt the agenda and consent items. The board then approved the district's three-year Achievement and Integration plan and moved on to a larger budget discussion. Administration presented a package of reductions totaling about $925,000 for next year, saying the figure was achievable in part because a number of retirements reduced payroll obligations. Administration said the reductions would affect approximately 12 full-time-equivalent positions across teaching, paraprofessional and district staff but that no programs would be fully eliminated.
After discussion, the board voted to approve the budget reductions and site allocations for the 2627 fiscal year. The board also approved two $500 donations: one to the Recori Community Garden (from the Recori Bike Club) and one to VEX robotics. Motions for each donation were made and approved by the board.
The board approved a memorandum of understanding updating retire-rehire language to reflect recent statutory changes; administration said the MOU clarifies seniority and contract treatment for employees who retire and later return in a rehire arrangement.
On personnel matters the board approved a Tier 1 nonrenewal resolution naming John Takazoo and Sam Ovison; it also approved nonrenewal of probationary teaching contracts for Sonia Ennis, Karen Tatich, Christine Pfluga and Gary Distel effective May 29, 2026 (the resolution cites Minnesota Statute 122A.40, subdivision 5). Finally, the board approved termination of probationary paraprofessional assignments for Jennifer Wetterling Martin, Peggy Loso and Jessica Forsyth.
The meeting concluded with a superintendent report, a public comment period and a review of upcoming meetings. The board set the revised budget for presentation in April, a preliminary budget in May and final approval scheduled for June.
Board business began with procedural votes to adopt the agenda and consent items. The board then approved the district's three-year Achievement and Integration plan and moved on to a larger budget discussion. Administration presented a package of reductions totaling about $925,000 for next year, saying the figure was achievable in part because a number of retirements reduced payroll obligations. Administration said the reductions would affect approximately 12 full-time-equivalent positions across teaching, paraprofessional and district staff but that no programs would be fully eliminated.
After discussion, the board voted to approve the budget reductions and site allocations for the 2627 fiscal year. The board also approved two $500 donations: one to the Recori Community Garden (from the Recori Bike Club) and one to VEX robotics. Motions for each donation were made and approved by the board.
The board approved a memorandum of understanding updating retire-rehire language to reflect recent statutory changes; administration said the MOU clarifies seniority and contract treatment for employees who retire and later return in a rehire arrangement.
On personnel matters the board approved a Tier 1 nonrenewal resolution naming John Takazoo and Sam Ovison; it also approved nonrenewal of probationary teaching contracts for Sonia Ennis, Karen Tatich, Christine Pfluga and Gary Distel effective May 29, 2026 (the resolution cites Minnesota Statute 122A.40, subdivision 5). Finally, the board approved termination of probationary paraprofessional assignments for Jennifer Wetterling Martin, Peggy Loso and Jessica Forsyth.
The meeting concluded with a superintendent report, a public comment period and a review of upcoming meetings. The board set the revised budget for presentation in April, a preliminary budget in May and final approval scheduled for June.
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