The Peoria Public Schools board met Aug 10 with all members present.  Four of six citizens addressing the board spoke to recent behavior and lack of decorum by the board.

Superintendent Jerry Bell provided a financial update as no chief financial officer was present. Updating PPS’s evidenced based funding (EBF), he said the district will receive an additional $9.3 million over last year.  An Illinois Federation of Teachers representative later clarified that while PPS will receive $9.38 million, which is an increase from $8.85 million the previous year, it is only a $500,000 increase. Unfortunately, PPS’s adequacy funding has dropped from 65.02% last year to 61.5%.

PPS has multiple vehicles in its fleet at the end of their useful lives which need to be replaced.

There were eight new Freedom of Information Act requests since last meeting, double the typical amount.

There was also discussion about Richwoods High School’s use of Title I money for a leadership consultant to assist with a variety of student services. Principal Billy Robison was questioned by the board and explained the program. President Paris McConnell insisted the consultant needs to be issued and use a district email.

Member Sarah Howard noted the Peoria City Council was to vote on the Main Street TIF on Aug. 25.

— League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Check out https://greaterpeoriail.lwv.org/logoreports