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Board adopts amended paid-time-off payout policy, effective immediately
Summary
After debate about costs and incentives, the Pecatonica Area School District board approved a revised PTO payout schedule (25/60/75/100 tiers by years of service), capped at 110 days, and applied the change immediately. The motion passed unanimously.
The Pecatonica Area School District Board of Education voted to adopt a revised paid-time-off (PTO) payout policy after extended discussion about budget pressures and staff retention.
Board members approved an amendment setting payout rates at $25 per day for employees with 10–14 years of consecutive service, $60 per day for 15–19 years, $75 per day for 20–24 years and $100 per day for 25 or more years. Payouts remain capped at 110 days. The board voted 5–0 to make the policy effective immediately.
The change followed consideration of a superintendent-council proposal to raise the payout to $50/$75/$100 tiers. Supporters framed the increase as a retention incentive for experienced employees; opponents raised concerns that higher cash payouts might encourage staff to bank sick leave rather than use it and that the district faces budgetary shortfalls requiring cuts elsewhere.
During debate, members pressed administration for context: district estimates showed roughly 25 teachers currently eligible under a 10-year threshold, and a hypothetical simultaneous retirement of all eligible staff would cost the district roughly $92,000 under the larger proposal. Board members highlighted that the policy can be revised later if it creates budget pressures.
Dr. Staitler and board members said the change is an employee-requested benefit intended to help retain staff. The board amended the original proposal to lower the payout amounts and to postpone any larger expansion pending future budget review. The motion to adopt the amended schedule passed unanimously. The board capped eligible payout days at 110 and set the policy to begin immediately.
