Advocates for an at-risk youth program run by the nonprofit Elite Community Outreach in Peoria are looking to garner support ahead of a Peoria Public Schools board meeting next week.
The board could decide on Monday to end its support for the Elite Game Changer program, which helps children with academic and behavioral issues. The district appears ready to propose an alternative program called NOVA Academy.
Elite Community Outreach and the Peoria Branch of the NAACP held a joint news conference Friday to highlight what they saw as the benefits of the program.
Elite’s founder and CEO, Carl Cannon, emphasized the personal connection that Elite staff have with students and their ability to relate to their circumstances.
“Some may not have a Ph.D.,” Cannon said. “They bring a degree earned through life, strengthened by experience, service, and what I believe is God-given wisdom.”
NAACP Peoria Branch President Rev. Marvin Hightower also emphasized what the Elite staff bring to their roles.
“I'm not against education. Don't get me wrong, what I'm about to say. Certified does not mean you're qualified. God qualifies the call, and that's the bottom line with Elite,” Hightower said.
The news conference also featured a great-grandparent and a parent, both of whom spoke in favor of the Elite program for their youths.
The Peoria Public School board has had contentious meetings over the future of the Elite program. In August, the board agreed to fund it through the first half of the current school year for $312,000, but delayed a decision about the second half of the year.
Hightower said the community will remember what the sitting board members decide at their upcoming meeting.
“We the people will not forget the way board members will vote on Monday, and rest assured, we will vote, and we will win,” he said.
Elite and the NAACP Peoria Branch also plan to hold a rally Saturday in support of continuing the program.
