The city is none too pleased by the collusion of the school board, park board, and public housing authority regarding land swaps on the East Bluff that would leave some residents stripped of their property and others living next to a low-income housing project — all without any public input. It’s only fair for the city council to look out for the best interests of its constituents, but what recourse does it have?
Well, the land that the school board wants to take over by Glen Oak Park includes a couple of city streets (Republic and East). The school board can’t force the city to vacate those streets via eminent domain, and leaving the streets in place would be problematic for the board’s planned siting of the school. So the city’s control over those streets gives them some leverage.
Furthermore, the park district can’t sell land to the school district (it’s illegal), but they can lease it to them. However, if they do, any of that leased land is subject to city zoning ordinances. That means the city would have to approve the use of that land. Right now, as I understand it, the park district would want to use the leased land for parking.
It sounds as though there may be some other tricks up the council’s sleeve, too, so the siting of the new school isn’t “final” yet. It’s too bad things are shaping up for a fight. Last year, it really looked like the school board and the city were starting to get along — the city pitched in some resources to help the school district fight truancy, for instance. Now District 150 has made a lot of enemies and sown a lot of distrust because of their secret plans. Like Polly says, they’ve chosen the path of most resistance.
I believe the Park District has dug their grave. I doubt that many people will contribute to anything that they might plan as the original plan may not be what they stated. Agreed, we need a better zoo. But I won’t be helping out financially with that; not after what has been pulled off. District 150 can be thrown into the same hole with them. Whatever the City can do to stop this, the citizens of Peoria (and other areas outside of Peoria) should back the City..Let your voice be heard !!!!! Glen Oak Park is not just for those that live near it; that Park belongs to everyone. We can’t keep losing “green space”. A new school in that area will not improve grades. Teaching, curriculum, studying, improves grades.
Right on Egiver! District 150 must improve its’ methods of teaching. That is not done by having teachers at Manual take the kids report cards to their homes ( CAN YOU IMAGINE), rather than having the parents come to school to pick them up. Of course, that would result in the same as parent-teacher conferences are-zippo in attendance. You hve to start in the home or youwill never have decent schools. What is 150 doing about that?
District 150 is doing NOTHING about that. As a “neighborhood advocate” we are very involved with the children in this area. I have gone to two parent-teachers conferences during the past two years. Mom can’t (won’t ) attend. There were other school functions this child had also that we attended. Mom was at home along with other family members. This child asked if I would go. I told him he had to talk with Mom about this and he did. It was fine with her.
Children DON’T bring books, homework home. They don’t know how to study; parents/guardians don’t take the interest/time to help them.
Glen Oak and White Middle School have after school programs to help students; but the child won’t attend and the parent won’t step in to insist the child attend. I’m sure other schools have programs also. Kids get out of school, sometimes change clothes and are sent out or just go out and don’t go home until dark; if even then. We’ve heard them outside playing when they should be in taking their showers and getting ready for bed. That’s about 9:00 at night or later. And I won’t even go into,”when I was their age, my parents would have”…….