D150 Public Forum & Written Comments until 5/8/06

WOW! 'Democracy in action' was the name of the tune at D150's first public forum. Martha Ross had already noted that she would be out of town because of previous long-term plans (she informed the public on 24 April 2006 (D150 School Board Meeting)). Thumbs up for great communication!

D150 Board Members as well as Superintendent Ken Hinton and Treasurer/Comptroller Guy Cahill received a NO support vote of the proposed Glen Oak School site by each and every speaker (as well as various comments heard from other audience members.) Previously mentioned concerns were all noted, as well a few here and more to follow:

*A representative from the ACLU shared, that the ACLU is deeply interested in helping the community and is encouraged by the forum and strongly suggests that D150 and the public continuing talking until both sides feel that the issue has been resolved.

*At least two business owners requested that compensenation for the potential relocation be addressed.

* One mother shared that she had removed her daughter from D150 due to the lack of appropriate behavior of the other students at her daughter's school.

* The Master Facility Plan calls for implementation of the Woodruff Attendance Area to being in fiscal years 2007-2009. Fiscal year 2007 begins July 1, 2006. By what legal authority can D150 begin implementation before that date? (Can D150 legally enter into any land contract at this point? Has the D150 Board ever voted in a public meeting to enter into land contracts for this project?)

*Handouts to improve the community input process and renovation of older schools for 21st century educations were submitted for consideration (Stay tuned).

Members of the Peoria Park District (PPD) were also present, President Tim Cassidy, Jim Cummings and Jackie Petty. They received an earful or two or more regarding the unacceptable use of park land for any other purpose than being a park, including the discontent of the removal of tennis courts, ball diamonds et al for the zoo expansion. Question was asked: As there is no signed and executed intergovernmental between the D150 and PPD now, what happens if PPD does not 'share' the five acres of Glen Oak Park, what is the impact on the proposed location if D150 only has their five acres?

The citizens of the East Bluff et al and Councilman Bob Manning asked for the new school to utilize the current site in some reconfigured manner with some additional land acquisition to assist in the revitalization of the East Bluff.

All information received will be reviewed by the D150 Board Members and 'synthesized' by Superintendent Hinton and given to the board for their next decision.

Written comments can be sent and will be received through Monday, May 8th --- via email: facilities@psd150.org or via snail mail to Peoria School District 150, 3202 N. Wisconsin Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603.