Residents accuse Peoria SD 150 board of racism, urge accountability

Several public commenters used the district's public-comment period to sharply criticize the Peoria School District 150 board and call for accountability.

Selah Moore Hightower opened the series of comments by saying she was "here today to do just that as it relates to our Peoria Public Schools" and accused board members of "disrespect and acts of exhibited racism" toward the superintendent and other leaders. She framed her remarks around definitions of racism and institutional bias and closed several times with the refrain "Silent no more."

Parent Amanda Stokes told the board she was "begging you all for change," saying her daughter and other high-school students are watching the board's behavior and asking questions about what she called the "drama" at meetings. Another commenter, Carrie Youngs, alleged inconsistent enforcement of speaker-time rules and raised concerns about FOIA handling and whether the board had published a previously noticed amended budget hearing.

The superintendent, Dr. Bell, thanked the speakers and pledged follow-up: "I will definitely be reaching out to you," she said, and added that speakers' "comments were heard as well." No formal board action was recorded in response to the accusations during the meeting; several speakers asked the district to investigate or to correct board practices going forward.

The public comments raised governance and equity questions the board may address in upcoming meetings or through follow-up correspondence; Dr. Bell indicated staff would reach out to several individuals who asked for meetings.