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Peoria Unified board votes to convene citizens bond advisory committee ahead of possible bond measure
Summary
The board approved forming a 10‑member citizens bond advisory committee and set a compressed timeline to return a recommendation by May; board members pressed for equity between north and south district investments and raised concerns about campaign costs and timing.
The Peoria Unified School District governing board voted to convene a citizens bond advisory committee to study the district’s facility needs and advise whether to place a bond on the November ballot.
Mr. Hicks, the district’s presentation lead on capital planning, told the board the committee would need to work on a tight timeline — meet this month, produce recommendations for the board by May and support any subsequent resolution to call an election. He noted the district still has funds remaining from a 2012 bond sale (roughly $54.8 million available for facilities and about $7.7 million for transportation as shown in staff materials), but that building new schools will likely require an additional bond.
Board members discussed the political and financial realities of running a bond campaign. Several expressed concern that a recent PAC campaign had spent in the mid‑six‑figures on a failed bond and that a district‑run effort — including public education and ballot materials — could cost the district roughly a quarter‑million dollars or more. Board Member Seija Martinez and others urged the committee to consider equity across the district — making sure dollars north and south are allocated fairly — and to explore alternative revenue options where legally feasible.
Board Member Knecht moved to convene the citizens bond advisory committee as proposed; the motion passed by voice vote 5–0. Board members asked administration to ensure broad geographic representation on the committee (board members will nominate representatives) and to include a review of alternatives and timing considerations when the committee reports back.
What’s next: the advisory committee will meet frequently under a compressed timetable and return a recommendation to the governing board. If the committee and board favor a bond, staff will work with attorneys and the county elections department to prepare ballot language and voter materials for a November election.
