PEORIA -- Insiders say the March 29 move to reshuffle Peoria School District 150 principals and administrators is unprecedented, and may have violated the Illinois school code and other laws and rules.
Here's the list, as released by the district and posted on the WMBD-TV website.
The biggie is the shift of popular Peoria High School principal Randy Simmons to Von Steuben Middle School, certainly a demotion. People have been pleading with the school board during public comments to keep him at Peoria High School, but the board chose to rubber stamp Supt. Grenita Lathan's decision rather than listen to its voters and the public.
Other comments: the openings were not posted, so others had no opportunity to apply for them, which files in the face of affirmative action rules. Those who lose pay or have other working conditions affected by these changes may have lawsuits against the District.
From the perspective of the students and parents, this is just more disruption in the District. Where in the education data does it say that constant change makes test scores improve? Or children happy? Or neighborhoods more stable? Or teacher morale improve?
More than likely, this will cause even more middle class families to flee Peoria for the stable suburbs.
This is an obvious power display by the superintendent, designed to make her staff fear her. How sad. Perhaps it's time for a vote of no confidence?
-- Elaine Hopkins
Sadly, it's too late for Peoria.
Grenita has already done her Damage DuJour...
It's why Boards hire her type--not particularly bright, a bit of a bully, not afraid to do the deed and move on in 2 years...she learned it from Grier!
Perhaps some Hiring Committee in the not-too-distant-future will happen upon these posts/articles and SAVE THEMSELVES!
At least factor in the lawsuit/damages in her compensation package....
Posted by: imjustsayin | April 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM