Charter school forum/debate on Nov. 21

PEORIA --  The Peoria Area League of Women Voters is sponsoring a public forum on charter schools, at 9 a.m. on Sat. Nov. 21 at Peoria Castle Lodge (formerly Jumers) 117 N. Western Ave.

The group asks provocative questions to frame the event: "Will this 'fix' District 150 or cost money and hurt other schools? How will it be financed?"

The event comes as the Peoria School District 150 board is considering approval of a math, science and technology charter school, a middle school to be expanded into a high school, to open next fall.

Panelists include:

               Cindy Fisher and Vicky Stewart, to explain the plans of the Peoria Charter School Initiative, beginning with grades 5 – 7 then expanding yearly into high school. The plan contemplates a school with 600 students, with the students chosen by lottery from those who apply.

               Gerry Brookhart, the Regional Superintendent of Schools, to explain what charter schools are and the restrictions placed on them by the state of Illinois.

               Tom McLauglin and Sharon Teefey from the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) to present their alternative view on charter schools.

               The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.

The event is free and open to the public. An optional light buffet breakfast for $8 takes place at 8:30 a.m. -30-