Peoria Unified Hosts Inaugural Family Connections Fair with Community Partners

The Peoria Unified Governing Board convened on August 14, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational experiences and facilities within the district. The meeting began with remarks from Dr. Summers, who emphasized the importance of community feedback and the board's commitment to continuous improvement for students. He expressed excitement about the new school year and teased an upcoming recognition for the Raymond S. Callas award winners, which will be formally announced at the next meeting.

Dr. Summers also highlighted an upcoming event, the inaugural Family Connections Fair, scheduled for September 13 at Peoria High School. This event aims to strengthen parent and community engagement, featuring STEM activities, child ID kits, and resources from over 30 community partners. The fair is designed to support families and promote student success.

Following these updates, the board moved to action items, beginning with a proposal for a partnership with Grace Design Studios for master capital planning services. Dr. Summers introduced Saravanan Bala, a partner at Grace Design Studios, who will lead a strategic planning process focused on community input and facility assessments. This initiative aims to create a data-driven capital plan to guide future decisions regarding the district's facilities and programs.

Dr. Summers noted that this recommendation follows a previous approval for project management services, indicating a shift towards a more community-focused approach in addressing the district's infrastructure needs. The board expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, which is expected to provide valuable insights and strategies for long-term planning.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and engagement with the community, reinforcing the district's dedication to fostering an environment conducive to student success. Further updates and decisions are anticipated in future meetings as the board continues to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.