Peoria Public Schools staff are proposing more than $9 million in budget cuts next year. That would mean significant program and personnel reductions:
The proposals include reducing 114 teaching, part time and other positions across the district. District 150 Treasurer Mark Wilcockson says other proposed cuts include eliminating the school ELITE program, possibly closing one high school swimming pool, and cutting funds for extra curricular activities:
“Larger class sizes, there’s going to be fewer district employees, there’s going to be less professional development for teaching staff, decreases in student support services.”
Wilcockson says looming inadequate state funding for students, rising salaries, and stagnant property tax revenues are behind the proposed cuts. Also, the District 150 School Board voted to pink slip 54 full and part time teachers. That’s part of an annual reduction in force of more than 200 personnel.