PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — There wasn't much discussion at Monday's Peoria Public Schools Board of Education meeting, but several important items were approved and discussed.
A 2019-2020 study conducted by IDG Architects was presented to the Board detailing how PPS school buildings are evaluated in terms of exterior and interior quality, ADA compliance and safe entry .
The school received good ratings for exterior appearance and safe entry, so-so ratings for interior design, and poor ratings for ADA compliance.
PPS Chief Financial Officer Mick Willis said the data is somewhat outdated because the district has been working on maintenance for the past several years. He said the air conditioning system is the main cause of the change, but some maintenance has also been done to the roof, windows and doors.
But Willis said the study does provide a foundation for future projects and what the district can hone in on for further improvements.
“They basically just did an evaluation of each building to get an idea of where they ranked and how they performed in terms of physical condition.” Mr. Willis said.
The board also approved two teacher recruitment incentives. He will pay $500 to members of the Peoria Federation of Teachers who refer and successfully hire other teachers to her PPS. Another is her $1,250 sign-on bonus to attract and retain teaching assistants.
Peoria Federation of Teachers President Jeff Adkins-Dutro offered further comments regarding the ongoing teacher shortage.
He said teaching has become a very stressful job and requires a lot of dedication.
“It takes almost superhuman abilities to get the job done, and the sacrifices it takes are enormous,” he said.
However, I did mention some of the initiatives that PPS is working on. This also includes a 'Grow Your Own' program where future teachers receive tuition support. He also mentioned a program that allows students to earn a degree in a particular subject and become a certified teacher within a year by taking online classes.
Additionally, PPS Communications and Community Engagement Director Haleemah Na'Allah issued a statement.
“For the 2024-25 academic year, our intentions include attending and recruiting university recruitment events, recruiting talented student teachers early, providing commitments to qualified candidates, and recruiting highly qualified international candidates.” As a result of our efforts, we expect to have fewer than 10 certified teacher positions.Teachers will work closely with teachers unions on Grow Your Own programs, referral bonuses, signing bonuses, and more, including a $2,000 retention bonus, We offer competitive salaries and more,” she said.
The Richwoods Knights boys varsity basketball team was also recognized by the board for placing second in the state playoffs last season.
