The Pecatonica Area School Board met on Monday, April 20 where they did approve hiring Cassie Colson Perenchio as the district’s new Communications & Community Relations Director, with a vote of 5- 2.
The topic of communication has been discussed for almost a year within the district. Several consensus amongst those in the district is the district is in need of someone to help with communication, not only between the school and it’s students but between community members, parents, on social media, on the website, and outside of the district, to help draw in more students to the district.
To help solve this problem, the district first contracted with Cassie Colson Perenchio, a communication consultant and former graduate of Pecatonica, to help the district create a Strategic Plan to understand the districts needs. In January and February, the district contracted with Colson Perenchio to conduct focus groups and surveys about communications needs and priorities. This stemmed from a desire to formalize marketing and communication efforts while also facing feedback from the public about desired and needed improvements. All of the focus groups agreed that communication was central to longterm sustainability and how communication fosters both trust and transparency. At the March meeting, the board approved creating the Communications & Community Relations Director position with a wage range of $60,000-$80,000. This salary position would be paid through split funding sources of Fund 10 and Fund 80 with it being an 80/20 split, respectively. The desired salary presented to the board was $74,000.
Brian Schlafli felt spending that much on a communications director was too much. Both he and Kevin Jayne stated they heard the same thing from members of the community as well.
Jayne reiterated that he has been a big advocate of having better communication within the district and did push for this position but didn’t think the position would cost the district so much money, adding that there are teachers that make less money.
Schlafli asked if there was anyway Artificial Intelligence or AI to help with the communications. Board president Megan Reading added that this position is so much more than just using AI. Trevor Doescher disagreed stating that the communications director would not just be posting things on social media accounts or the website and AI would not solve all of the district’s communication issues. The position was officially called Communications & Community Relations Director, meaning the position would be not only communicating within the district but reaching outside of the district; making posts on social media and the website, yes, but also going beyond the district, trying to attract people to come to the Pecatonica Area School District.
This topic has been discussed for over a year now. Grace Knutson added that in that time, the community has expressed at several meetings that this is what they want. She felt that in order to respect the community’s decision they should hire for this position.
In comparing to neighboring districts, there are some that have a full time communications position, like Mineral Point and some that add the position onto another job duty. There is not one district that is the same to make a great comparison. Knutson added that the district doesn’t have anyone who can do everything the district wants them to do and also be able to perform their other job duties to the best of their abilities. This position could not be put off on administration or even have students handle it, as they have done in the past. It would not be fair to the administration or students or the district.
Jayne was unsure if this position should be a full time job and wasn’t sure if it was worth that much money. Schlafli added that this district is here for education and would like to see that money spent on another teacher.
Reading argued that this is something different from adding another teacher. At a previous board meeting, it was mentioned that the Curriculum Committee should take a look at the district’s curriculum to see if any changes or different classes should be taught as the focus in the community has changed. This communication position could help get the word out about Pecatonica Area and inform teachers and parents about the district, to try and drive them to come here, helping the district to be able to create new teaching positions, if they so choose.
Jayne wanted to know if there was anyway the district could streamline or automate any of the things the district wants the communications director to do. Dr. Scott reiterated that they have been hearing from the community for years that this is the one thing that needs to be improved and she doesn’t see any one person who currently works at the district taking on this position.
Cory DeSmet felt the district needs to get out with its name recognition and that is where the communications person would help. He added that with the declining enrollment happening to several districts throughout the state and discussion of consolidations happening everywhere, he would like to see Pecatonica Area be the last school standing. That is why having someone in this position is the way to go.
Reading felt it would be a huge disservice to those who spent time on getting this position if the board were to let it go.
Schlafli felt the position was needed but the amount of money was too great.
DeSmet made the motion with Knutson seconding to approve hiring Colson Perenchio with a salary of $74,000. The motion passed, 5-2, with Schlafli and Jayne against.
Pride of Pecatonica
The Pride of Pecatonica awards were given out to deserving students in the district that embody what it
means to be a Pecatonica Viking. The elementary Pride of Pecatonica winner is Josie Syse, nominated by third grade teachers Ellie Lyne and Kayla Meier. Both said that Syse is incredible, responsible, safe and kind. She makes thoughtful choices and is a role model for her classmates. She is a hard worker, challenges herself and has a strong work ethic. She always has a positive attitude and put her best effort into everything. Her classmates said she listens, is a goof friend who really cares, works hard and loves to read.
The middle school Pride of Pecatonica winner is Raelee Hampton, nominated by the middle school teacher team. Hampton has a kind, fun personality. She is a hard worker, a high level thinker and has made incredible strides in middle school. She has great problem solving skills, can work with anyone and has a dedication to excellence. She sets personal goals for her self and exceeds them, pushes herself and has respect for others.
The high school Pride of Pecatonica winner Lauren Muench nominated by high school English teacher Madeline Bartels and the high school teacher team. Teachers said that Muench is an outstanding choice for the POP award. She is thoughtful and thorough and goes above and beyond. Her work is exceptionally detailed and her growth is impressive. Muench is a quiet leader, willing to help all classmates and continues to excel in class. She is an exemplary student, diligent and always trying to do her best. Her contributions to class are always insightful.
Reports
Pecatonica Area Elementary Principal Chris Rogers reported that Forward testing has wrapped up. After School Art is underway. Camp Pec registration is open. The fifth and sixth grade math team received 3rd place at the math meet on April 15. The Spring Concert will be May 15 at 1 p.m.
Pecatonica Area Middle/High School Principal Dr. Mark Stateler reported that make up testing for the pre-ACT and Forward testing was being done. They have done interviews for the new ELA teacher. The weight room is open in the mornings now. Due to the weather, State Forensics participants had to submit their state performances virtually. Prom was on Saturday, April 18 and State Solo Ensemble was Saturday, April 25.
Dr. Scott reported that they have not had anyone interested in the Summer School Coordinator position. She is exploring options to possibly have a three day boot camp right before the start of the school year. She is figuring out a way to compensate those teachers for their time. For outstanding lunch fees, the total is $14,912 and outstanding fees are $6,000.
Action items The board approved
– a proposed 2027 trip to Puerto Rico.
– new course offering, Speech, with two sections.
– summer custodial hours.
– WASB Superintendent Evaluation Framework for an annual cost of $395.
– wage increase of 2.63 percent for support staff & administration for 2026-2027
– 2026-2027 insurance premiums. The recommendation from the Operations Committee was to increase the deductible from $5,000 to $10,000 for commercial property, saving the district $2,200.
– SWEEP contract
– Lafayette Hospital + Clinics Physical Therapy services contract. It increased $2/hr and went up $0.03/mile.
– Kompas Care Contract, which helps assist in billing Medicare for Special Education services.
– stipends for Miranda Wiegel and Casey Krahenbuhl for $1,000 as Middle School Track coaches and Miranda Wiegel for $521 for the weight room.
