The Peoria Public School Board discussed staff proposals to cut millions of dollars next school year. The district is facing a nearly $13 million deficit in the fall:
Along with Woodruff and staff cuts, the Woodruff Safe School program and the ELITE discipline program are slated for elimination to help fill a growing deficit. School Board member Lynn Costic says she strongly opposes any changes to programs that tackle student behavior:
“What we’re looking at is the possibility of wiping out every program that is helping or trying to minimize the discipline that is existing in this district and that is, I find that deplorable.”
Other ideas from board members include keeping class sizes small for younger students and possibly no pay raises for non-union employees. Staff hopes to come back in a month with a firmed-up budget proposal.