Rochelle District 231 Board Approves Food Service Contract and Reviews Budget and Insurance Updates

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Elementary District 231 Board of Education met Tuesday night  and reviewed updates on insurance, the amended budget, and approved a food service contract. District officials provided an insurance cooperative update and noted concern that several districts may leave the cooperative, which could affect costs. A special board meeting is scheduled for April 27 at 5 p.m. to further review the issue. Business Manager Kevin Dale also reported the amended budget is being prepared with construction costs under review, with updates planned for May and final approval expected in June. Trustees approved a renewed contract with Whitsons Culinary Group, which includes a 3.1% increase and will continue for another year providing food service to the district. The board also approved a land cash agreement extension for $275 per acre on 14 tillable acres north of Lincoln School under an annual renewal arrangement with an area farmer that has been in place for more than a decade.