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Peoria Unified appoints Amanda Loveless as Oasis Elementary principal after split vote
Summary
After extensive public comment and a prior board decision to table the recommendation, the Peoria Unified governing board approved Amanda Loveless as principal of Oasis Elementary School in a 3–1–1 vote. Supporters urged the board to confirm the district's recommendation so the school can move forward with stable leadership.
The Peoria Unified governing board voted to appoint Amanda Loveless as principal of Oasis Elementary School, approving the district recommendation by a 3–1–1 tally on April 10.
The approval followed more than a dozen public comments from Oasis staff, parents and former students who described a difficult year at the small campus after the prior principal went on leave in November and an interim administrator assumed leadership. Several speakers told the board they were surprised and disappointed when the appointment was tabled at the March 27 meeting and urged members to confirm the district’s selection.
"Please vote to approve Miss Loveless as our next principal," said Tara Flint Hollins, introduced as a teacher and parent, during public comment. "We believe she is exactly what our staff, students, and families need." George Colebrook, who identified himself as a parent and former PTSO president, asked the board to approve the recommendation so the community "can begin to move forward." Amy Raper, an Oasis teacher and parent, said the delayed vote added "unnecessary stress" to a school that has been operating under interim leadership.
Superintendent Daniel Summers (read into the record by the superintendent’s office) presented Ms. Loveless’s credentials: she began teaching in 2012, served as an instructional coach and curriculum support leader, and has been an assistant principal since 2022. Summers said Loveless holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership.
Board members spoke briefly after the appointment. Board member Ewing welcomed Loveless and thanked interim leaders who held the school together during the transition. Clerk Tobey said he hopes the appointment will provide the leadership Oasis needs and noted the board has asked administration to supply résumés earlier in future recommendation packets.
Outcome and context: The board confirmed a candidate the district had recommended and that school staff and parents had supported publicly. Board members who opposed or abstained did not provide a roll-call rationale at the time of the vote beyond expressing earlier questions that led to tabling on March 27.
Votes at a glance: Motion to approve the administrative appointment of Amanda Loveless as principal of Oasis Elementary School; mover: Mrs. Proudfit; second: Mrs. Ewing. Motion passed: 3 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstain.
The new principal was invited to the podium after the vote and board members offered brief welcome remarks to the campus leadership team and interim administrators who had kept the school operating during the vacancy.
