Incoming Peoria Board of Education member Andres “Andy” Diaz said his request for a temporary restraining order ahead of Wednesday’s special meeting has been denied on a technicality.
Diaz sought to delay the meeting, scheduled to start at noon Wednesday, on grounds that proper public notice was not provided in advance, and that it’s actually two meetings instead of one.
“I did not get a restraining order, but the larger picture is that this school board has continuously done things haphazardly,” Diaz told WCBU.
“My lawsuit seeking this injunction was a demonstration to the voters that I am here paying attention and I will fight to make good, transparent government.”
Diaz and Sarah Howard, who were elected to the Peoria Public Schools board in March, are set to be sworn in during the reorganizational meeting that follows the regular order of business.
“Just because you do something every time doesn’t make it legal, right? This board has continuously not done things correctly,” said Diaz. “The office of Attorney General has continually offered them guidance on what they should be doing, and they ignore it.”
Ahead of the reorganization, the board is scheduled to vote on a consent agenda that includes placing a question on the November ballot for a 0.5% sales tax increase to 1% for facilities and maintenance. In his filing, Diaz argued that should not be on the consent agenda.
“Why do they have to pass these things today?” said Diaz. “Why are they ignoring the fact that the people of Peoria have spoken and put two new board members on board, and give them a chance to actually vote and speak to the constituents of Peoria?”
Diaz filed his request for the restraining order pro se, without legal representation. He said it was turned down because he didn’t provide “a sworn affidavit of irreparable harm.”
“It was a technicality, but I put it in the fight and I hope the citizens of Peoria keep an eye on the school board this year,” he said.
