The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education has delayed a vote on requesting a half-cent sales tax increase to help pay for facility maintenance.
“We’ve heard you, we’ve heard you,” new Superintendent Jerry Bell said ahead of the decision, in response to public opinion and audience members who voiced opposition to the plan.
“Haste makes waste, and so we’ll just leave it at that — duly noted. I’ll let the board as a body decide when we’ll move forward, if we’ll even move forward.”
The action came Wednesday during regular business prior to the reorganizational meeting that saw two new members seated and vice president Paris McConnell elected as the new president on a split 4-3 vote.
The resolution to put a question on the November ballot for a 0.5% sales tax increase to 1% for facilities and maintenance was tabled unanimously after being removed from the nine-item consent agenda.
The idea was brought forward initially under former Superintendent Sharon Kherat’s administration. Several board members concurred with Bell that the additional time would be beneficial to review the proposal.
“I would like to see — when it does come back, Dr. Bell — a presentation,” said board member Christina Rose, “with some specific projects that will be included if we get those dollars, so that we can better advocate for out in the community: ‘Here’s why we want to. Here’s what we’re going to use it for.’”
During the reorganizational meeting, Sarah Howard and Andres “Andy” Diaz took their oaths of office. They both were elected in March to replace outgoing members Larry Ivory and Lynne Costic, respectively.
“I really look forward to learning alongside you and working together for the betterment of our school district. Our work is cut out for us,” said Howard. “I am hearing what the community wants, and I do want us to be more transparent in our decision-making and gather community input before making big decisions.”
The meeting was held as scheduled after Diaz took the district to court, seeking a temporary restraining order on grounds the two-tiered agenda violated the Open Meetings Act. That bid was denied.
“I’m here to fight for the families of District 150 and will continue that as long as I serve,” he said.
The divide among board members was on display during the election of officers. After Diaz nominated Martha Ross for president, Ross nominated McConnell.
The vote saw sitting president Gregory Wilson join McConnell, Ross and Howard in voting for McConnell. The tally broke down the same way in choosing Ross, nominated by McConnell, as the new vice president after Diaz nominated Brenda Wilson.
The dissention also resulted in board secretary Cami Ross being reappointed on an interim basis instead of a full appointment, and approval of Arlissa Holford as assistant secretary being tabled.
Rose and Brenda Wilson advocated for both appointees and their roles be further evaluated.
“I would feel better about it if we could have a conversation, and then all have clean minds and hearts,” said Rose.
