The Peoria Unified Governing Board considered and rejected proposed changes to Policy GCQC, which governs resignation of professional staff and includes liquidated damages language.

Administration brought the policy back for a second reading with two highlighted changes: an exception to liquidated damages when a staff member advances to a position of higher pay or responsibility, and a clarification that waivers could be contingent on availability of a qualified replacement. The administration recommended approval of the revised wording.

Board members expressed divided views. Some said they did not want to restrict staff members'professional mobility; others said waiving liquidated damages in uneven circumstances would be unfair to staff who could not secure a replacement. Several board members emphasized the policy's role in protecting students from mid-year staffing disruptions and noted the district's practice of asking certified staff to sign contracts earlier in the cycle.

After discussion, a motion to approve the proposed changes failed. The board voted to leave the existing GCQC policy in place.