Peoria Public Schools

Peoria Public Schools will get an increase of about $9.3 million this year in evidence-based funding from the State of Illinois, as district leaders mull the idea of getting outside assistance to address a two-year audit backlog.

"Our crime statistics for juveniles is significantly worse than East St. Louis," said Tom Marshall, an Elite Community Outreach board member who sits on the county's Juvenile Justice Council, describing the findings of a University of Illinois Chicago study he said was shared with the council. "They're known for being one of the worst areas in the state."

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.

Incoming Peoria Board of Education member Andy Diaz said his request for a temporary restraining order ahead of Wednesday’s special meeting has been denied on a technicality.

Incoming Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Bell said he wants District 150 to work hand-in-hand with the business community in preparing students to meet evolving workforce needs.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali says she supports the idea of streamlining the process for approving housing projects, but proposed statewide zoning regulations would go too far.

Plans for a 200-home residential neighborhood at the former Exposition Gardens site in Peoria are taking shape after the City Council approved a land exchange with Peoria Public Schools to make the property more attractive to developers.

Peoria City Council member Kiran Velpula sees a new medical and educational partnership as a way to build the city’s health care workforce and boost the regional economy.

Sarah Howard likely will join Andy Diaz as the two newcomers on the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education.

The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education gathered Monday evening for a meeting that stretched well over two hours, marked by a student showcase, a contract debate, and a bittersweet goodbye to outgoing Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat.