The City of Rochelle and Rochelle Township High School District #212 are proud to announce a new partnership to bring a School Resource Officer into RTHS this fall. Rochelle Police Officer Pete Pavia has been selected to fill the position.
“This partnership is another example of our organizations working together to serve the community in the safest, most fiscally responsible way possible,” said City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh.
The proposed agreement mirrors the one that is in place for the Rochelle Middle School. The School board will contribute 66% of the officer’s total annual compensation. The agreement is for three years with additional one-year terms if both the City and the School Board agree. The City will be responsible for the salary and benefits during the summer.
“The Rochelle Elementary District has enjoyed a positive experience with Officer Jakymiw in the Middle School over the past several years and we look forward to the same with Officer Pavia at RTHS,” said Jason Harper, Superintendent of Rochelle Schools.
The School Resource Officer’s role is to serve as an educator, mentor and law enforcer. Along with helping to provide a safe learning environment, the SRO works to foster positive relationships with students, helps students in developing problem-solving strategies and develops presentations for school staff.
“Having officers from the same agency in both the Rochelle Middle School and R.T.H.S. should make a more fluid transition for the students,” said Chief Eric Higby. “Students will have an opportunity to interact with these officers as educators and role models.”
Officer Pavia has twenty-three years of law enforcement experience. He has been to school resource officer training and is an A.L.I.C.E. instructor.
“Being a School Resource Officer has always been a goal of mine,” said Officer Pavia. “I am very much looking forward to this new journey.”