PeoriaStory

District 150 Auditors Deny Misuse of Funds

PEORIA, IL -- Auditors for Peoria School District 150 told the School Board that they did not find any misuse of funds, after they made a presentation on the district's annual audit at the Nov. 25 board meeting.

But one auditor also said, "we're not looking at everything. We do test samples."

At issue is the district administrators' use of credit cards to buy supplies, pay for travel, food, and other items.  Thousands of dollars in unnecessary sales taxes have been paid, the cards show, even though the district  is exempt from sales taxes.  There are also apparently questionable expenditures on those cards.

During the public comments, limited to two minutes each at this meeting, activist Terry Knapp commended on a $6.50 charge at a fast food restaurant. "I dont understand how you can look at these cards and say everything is glorious, " he said.

Here is a recording of the comment:

 

Dist 150 Nov. 25

 

 

The auditors also noted a "lack of segregation of duties" meaning too few people checking on the funds.  But that's not unusual, one said.

Controller Dave Kinney said the taxes paid to the district will be down this year, thanks to a $1.5 million tax abatement on bonds and declining property values.  A $120,000 home will pay $45 less in taxes this year, he said.

Board president Rick Cloyd said he would only reluctantly approved the abatement, because of a $6 million deficit.  A proposed increase in sales taxes, which will be on a referendum at the March 18 primary, would funnel $9 million annually to the district he said. 

Knapp and activist Sevino Sierra in the public comments complained about the board starting its meeting 20 minutes late without an apology to those in the audience or an explanation.

No board member or administrator commented on this complaint. 

But board member Debbie Wolfmeyer said the board needs to make a decision about the use of Peoria Stadium next year, at its Dec. 16 meeting. 

The board previously said no decision would be made until after the results of the referendum. 

Sharon Crews questioned the board about when a federal free lunch program for all students was approved, and said it's not in the minutes or on any board agenda. "I do not have an issue with feeding children whose parents cannot feed them," she said, but there are other issues, such as how many are eating, what happens to wasted food if they don't eat the lunches, and who profits from money that is spent.

Her written comments will be posted below later.

Peoria Federation of Teachers Jeff Dutro mentioned a document he has sent to the board regarding the "climate and culture" in the schools, and complained about turnover in staff. "What purpose is there in continually shifting administrators?" he asked.

The board needs to meet with union officials, he said.

Knapp and Crews circulated a letter stating that they both have been designated as "recurrent requesters" under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act because as a group (apparently a group of two) they filed too many FOIA requests.  That means the board can delay responding to them. Knapp complained about this situation in his comments. 

So much for transparency.

  -- Elaine Hopkins

Here are the comments from Sharon Crews:

Information about the Community Eligibility Option was presented at the October 11, 2011, board meeting but not mentioned on the agenda or in the minutes. 

District 150 was accepted into the program in August. When did board members first learn about this program?  How is such information communicated to you?  What role does the board play in major decisions?  Why didn’t taxpayers have a right to learn why the District was applying for a volunteer Federal program that pays for the lunches of all children in a school when 40% meet the low-income requirements? 

Why shouldn’t we hear your individual opinions before, not after, major decisions are made?  More importantly, why was this decision made without your vote?  Your policy states that final authority for all matters concerning the District lies with the Board of Education and policy states that deliberation, debate, or decision-making should not be conducted by e-mail.  That implies that public board meetings are the appropriate venue for making final decisions—isn’t that the purpose of the consent agenda?  Again when can we expect transparency—which includes discussion? 

I do not have an issue with feeding children whose parents cannot afford to feed them.  I have some questions which, I believe, should have been discussed before the vote.  What if a considerable number of children choose not to eat cafeteria food?  Does the cafeteria prepare it for everyone and throw away the food not eaten? Or does the cafeteria estimate and prepare enough food for those who usually eat the free lunch?  Does the federal government provide a flat amount for each school per day?  Who profits from any money not spent?  Also, if as planned the program ends in 2015 or 2016—what then? -30-

 

Should the city of Peoria buy the water company?

PEORIA, IL -- The Peoria City Council must soon decide whether to buy the water company that serves it.

That's Illinois American Water Co., now owned by a German corporation.  But the city has a legal right to buy it, a court has decided, based on a century-old agreement.

The Greater Peoria League of Women Voters held a forum on this issue on Nov. 21. It featured former city attorney Randy Ray, and former city council member Bob Manning.  Both were involved in a previous exploration in buying the water company.  But the city backed off when voters nixed it in a referendum.

Here's a recording of the discussion. (It ends abruptly, when the batteries failed, but contains most of the event.)

 

Water Company Nov 21 2013

Ray began by discussing "the magnitude of going forward, not knowing the price."  He means a $2 million to $3 million study to determine a fair price. Still, he said, now the profits from the water company are leaving the community.  And "Illinois American is a money-making machine," he said.

Manning noted that 85 percent of U.S. cities own their water companies.  Peorians are paying 2.5 times more for water than the national average, he said. Under city ownership the city would hire an operator, perhaps Illinois American Water Co., but control the rates, and have more flexibility in growth and development, he said.

In addition, the water company has done no long term planning for sustainability, while several nearby communities are concerned about water scarcity, Manning said. He mentioned Tazewell and Mason counties, and Galesburg and Bloomington.  A city owned water company could sell to them, providing even more revenue to Peoria.

Asked whether politicians could decide to "raid the system," Mannning said "the voting booth" controls the politicians, whereas the Illinois Commerce Commission, which now sets the rates, has allowed Illinois American three rate hikes in five years.  And they're not accountable.  "No one has control over that."

A city-owned water company, hiring an operator, would induce more competition than a regulated monopoly, he said.

Meanwhile, the Journal Star reported on Nov. 22 that a deal may be in the works to extend the buyout period in return for a fee from Illinois American Water Co.  That's odd, and perhaps unlikely, but you never know when politicians and CEOs huddle together. The PJS site has links to previous stories on the water company buyout, as well.  

 -- Elaine Hopkins 

 

Buy the water company? Let's debate it

PEORIA, IL - From a news release:

The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria will present a “Hot Topics” Open Conversation on whether the city of Peoria should vote to proceed with “due diligence” regarding the possible purchase of the water company, Illinois American Water Co.  at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Peoria Main (Downtown) Library, 107 NE Monroe, Peoria,  lower level. Discussion will start at noon.

 A panel will discuss the merits of due diligence toward consideration of a buyout, followed by questions from the audience.

 Panelists scheduled to participate include Bob Manning and Randy Ray. Moderator is Gary Stella.

 Box lunches for $10 will be available for those who contact Cheryl Budzinski by Tuesday, Nov. 19.  She can be reached at 309/253-9594.

 The event is free and open to the public.

 

PEORIA, IL -- Environmental activist Winona LaDuke will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Michel Student Center Ballroom at Bradley University.

Twice a candidate for vice president for the Green Party, she will speak on “Creating a Sustainable Energy Economy: Why It’s Important and How It’s Possible.”

Here's her official bio:

Winona LaDuke
Environmentalist & Political Activist
Winona LaDuke is an internationally renowned activist working on issues of sustainable development renewable energy and food systems. She lives and works on the White Earth reservation in northern Minnesota, and is a two-time vice presidential candidate with Ralph Nader for the Green Party.

As program director of the Honor the Earth, she works nationally and internationally on the issues of climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice with indigenous communities. And in her own community, she is the founder of the White Earth Land Recovery Project, one of the largest reservation based nonprofit organizations in the country, and a leader in the issues of culturally based sustainable development strategies, renewable energy, and food systems. In this work, she also continues national and international work to protect Indigenous plants and heritage foods from patenting and genetic engineering.

In 2007, LaDuke was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, recognizing her leadership and community commitment. In 1994, she was nominated by Time magazine as one of America’s 50 most promising leaders under 40. She has been awarded the Thomas Merton Award in 1996, Ms. Woman of the Year (with the Indigo Girls) in 1997, and the Reebok Human Rights Award, with which in part she began the White Earth Land Recovery Project. The White Earth Land Recovery Project has won many awards, including the prestigious 2003 International Slow Food Award for Biodiversity, recognizing the organization’s work to protect wild rice from patenting and genetic engineering.

A graduate of Harvard and Antioch Universities, she has written extensively on Native American and environmental issues. She is a former board member of Greenpeace USA and is presently an advisory board member for the Trust for Public Lands Native Lands Program as well as a board member of the Christensen Fund. The author of five books, including Recovering the Sacred, All Our Relations, and a novel, Last Standing Woman, she is widely recognized for her work on environmental and human rights issues.
-30-

Thousands of wasted $$$$ in District 150

PEORIA, IL -- What does it take to elicit indignation from the public and the school boaard?

Researcher Sharon Crews revealed on Nov. 11 that Peoria School District 150 has spent thousands of dollars meant to educate children on taxes that it isn't required to pay, and on food for administrators. 

She spoke during the public comments section of the School Board meeting.  Her detailed written comments, with the astonishing dollar totals, are appended below. 

They reveal wasted thousands, and millions spent, apparently without bidding.

Here is a recording of the public comments.

Dist 150 Nov 12

-- Elaine Hopkins

Here are the comments of Sharon Crews:

 

About $6300 was spent on food in 2010-11.  However, for the next two years, food spending increased to an average of $33,000 per year.  The most inexcusable expense was the over $1300 paid in taxes.  Administrators and principals undoubtedly get the most free food from the Education Fund—over $15000.  For day-long meetings, why not break at meal time.   Education money should not be spent on food for employees.

My data includes spending by Lathan, Kennedy, or the District.  I am convinced that even more money for food is charged to some of the other 54 cards.

In fact, there was a banquet in May, 2013, for AVID students—I couldn’t find any corresponding charges for a banquet—those charges must be on some other card.  However, Dr. Kennedy’s card does show $660 spent on plates and decorations from six different stores for this banquet and worse yet $36 spent on taxes. 

I am tempted to believe that my 16-page listing of cosmetology expenditures totaling about $55,000 is the closest you have to a complete inventory.  Please note that another $900 was paid in taxes on those charges.

Please take the time to explain the extent to which the District no longer has a purchasing department.  Take us through the procedure.  Who purchases supplies, how is money allocated for supplies and to whom, how are all purchases, including consumables, inventoried?  Are all purchases labeled as District 150 property?  How do you know who is going over budget and for what?  Is there any budget for food expenditures?  “Apparently not” would be my guess.

Why does Dr. Kennedy’s card show four $2,000 charges to Paxton Patterson on July 22, July 25, August 7, and August 8 of this year.  This new procurement card method seems, to me, to be a way of avoiding transparency about your spending habits.

In three years you have spent about one million three hundred thousand dollars ($1,297,668.06) on Paxton-Patterson equipment and not one contract has been presented at a board meeting for approval.  Are you, also, telling us that no other companies make this type of equipment and, therefore, no bids were required.  And $165,000 more Paxton equipment has been charged to Race to the Top.

In addition to spending millions on new textbooks before there was time to examine the old texts, this regime has overspent on technology with close to two million dollars at Bradfield’s, two million at Apple Computer, and two and half million at Hewlett Packard and additional purchases hidden away on procurement cards.  And $244,000 for Microsoft licenses and thousands on other computer programs. How many of those contracts have we heard about at board meetings?

I have never heard you discuss District 150’s Participation in the Community Eligibility Option, allowing all students to receive free lunch if more than 40% of a school’s students meet the criteria for free lunch.  Information about this program just appeared on your website dated November 4, not so coincidentally shortly after you received Terry’s FOIA requesting info about the program.  However, the information won’t be found by accident—it’s buried.  I couldn’t find it again but did find info elsewhere on the website.

Also, there is a free textbook fee component to this initiative.  We have been told by the state that District 150 is eligible.  So please tell us who, besides those who qualify as low income, are eligible to waive textbook fees—and how have they been informed?  Who specifically is expected to pay textbook fees?  And how much government money is 150 getting through the CEO program?  Transparency, please—I am beginning to think you are making decisions somewhere besides at board meetings.

 

 

The JFK Assassination: What we don't know and why

UPDATE:  event postponed to Nov. 24, due to terrible weather on Nov. 17.

 

PEORIA, IL -- Fifty years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, tales of conspiracies surrounding this awful event still sell books and draw TV viewers.  So what is true and what isn't?

Professor emeritus George E. Hopkins of Western Illinois University will talk on the Kennedy assassination at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24 at the GAR Hall, 416 Hamilton Boulevard, Peoria. 

Hopkins has a large collection of photographs on slides, some rare, which he will present as part of his talk.  He's an award winning lecturer and history professor from WIU, now retired but still on his game. 

The event is free and open to the public, though donations to the hall's elevator fund will be welcome. It's sponsored by the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation.

The final week, women in art, Peoria

 PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

NOVEMBER 12

 

Exhibit: Women Artists Panel Discussion: Then and Now

6:30pm-8pm,  Contemporary Art Center of Peoria,

305 SW Water Street, 309-674-6822, http://www.peoriacac.org

The Contemporary Art Center will host a panel discussion on the experiences of contemporary women artists. The participants, who range in age and career stages, will discuss their experiences of being women artists including education, medium, subject matter, and vocational choices. Audience participation encouraged. The artists are: Cathie Crawford, Kate Kaminski, Margaret LeJeune (panel moderator), Meda and Veda Rives, and Trish Williams.

 

CONTINUING EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit: One Step Removed

Nov 2-Dec 20, Contemporary Art Center

305 SW Water Street, Tue-Sat 11am-5pm, Fri 11am-8pm, 309-674-6822, http://www.peoriacac.org

Paintings and sculpture by Peoria artists Susan Carson, Carol Quell, Linda Verkler and Jacqueline Willis.

 

Exhibit:  Ashley Morgan, When the peaks of the sky come together

Nov 7-Dec 6 at the Peoria Art Guild

203 Harrison St, 309-637-2787, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, www.peoriaartguild.org

Milwaukee artist Ashley Morgan constructs a site-specific installation that considers the nature of change in our lives.

 

Exhibit:  Barbara Hoffman, Stick Figures

Nov 7-Dec 6 at the Peoria Art Guild

203 Harrison St, 309-637-2787, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, www.peoriaartguild.org

Photographer Barbara Hoffman displays a series of black and white, figure-like images. 

 

Exhibit:  The Paintings of Eleanor Coen

Oct 1-Nov 15, Heuser Art Center Gallery at Bradley University

1400 W Bradley Ave, 309-676-7611, Mon-Thurs 9:00a,-7pm, Fri 9:00am-4:00pm (closed 12-1pm) www.slane.bradley.edu/art/bradley-university-galleries

Eleanor Coen was a well-known, mid-century Chicago painter and printmaker. She created innovative lithographs and paintings that sparkle with jewel-like color, imagination, and energy. She was born in Normal, Illinois and attended Illinois State University before moving to Chicago to study at the Art Institute.    

Exhibit: In the manner of

Oct 15-Nov 15, Exhibit A Gallery

5901 N Prospect Rd, 309-693-6180 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm

Area women artists have been invited to paint in the manner of an artist whose work has influenced them during their careers. The artists are: Jean Gronewald, Julie Purdum, Shelley Koenigs, Dorothy Thornton, Carrie Pearce, Amanda Metzger, Tracy Furgoli, Sandy Fisher, Cathie Crawford, Rose Hubbard, Eileen and Doug Leunig, Morgan Elser, Suzette Boulais, Sherri Burritt, Barb Milaccio, Debbie Knost, Nancy Davis, Beverly Taylor, Nan Hammond, Mary Hildebrand, Marlene Miller.

 

Exhibit: Sapphire and Crystals, a Collective of African American Women Artists

Oct 15-Nov 15, Gallery Romain

1919 N Sheridan Rd, 309-713-3744, Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm  www.jromain.com  & https://www.facebook.com/fiberartisttrish.williams

Resident fiber artist Trish Williams curates and participates in an exhibit of original artworks by members of the innovative, Chicago-based collective of professional African American women artists called Sapphire and Crystals. The women show exciting new work, addressing a range of themes.  

 

Exhibit:  Illinois Art League Women Artists Past and Present

Oct 15-Nov 15, Illinois Art League at Peoria Heights Library

816 E. Glen Ave, Peoria Heights, 309-682-5578,  Mon-Tue 9am-8pm, Wed-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri-Sat 9am-5pm www.peoriaheightslibrary.com & www.illinoisartleague.com.

The 53-year-old Art League celebrates the talents and skills of its women artists of the past and present. The artists of the past are: Jeannie Ledbetter, Jo Ann Bell, Georgia Newton, Evelyn Blane, Adelaide Cooley, Grace Van Norman ( Charter Member IAL), Pat Dale, Bea Zerweke, Lee Benz, Barbara McMurray. Current members are: B.K. Pullen, Rose Sullivan, Jean Fehl, Barb Unes, Sharon Chamberlain Somers, Jo Rutter, Georgeanne Cassulo, Jackie Colgan, Kathy Sherman, Helen Thomson, Deborah Schmitt, Linda K. Freeburg, Pat Withers, and Linda Sprouse.

 

Exhibit:  Women Artists Works in the Recent Acquisitions Exhibit

Oct 15-Jan 12, 2014, Peoria Riverfront Museum

222 SW Washington St, 309-686-7000, Sun 12pm-5pm, Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Non-member admission fees: adults $10, Seniors 60+ $9, Youth 3-17 $8.  www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org

Works by Nita Sunderland, Kathe Kollwitz, Patti Roberts Pizzuto, Ana Marie Liddell, Ellen Lanyon, Karen Kunc, Adelaide Cooley, and Garada Clark Riley are the women’s paintings and sculpture among the Museum's recently acquired works.

 

Exhibit:  Peoria Women’s Club: Preserving Art and History

Oct 15-Nov 15, Peoria Women's Club 

301 NE Madison Ave, 309-673-1277, Hours Thu 1pm-4pm (Oct 15-Nov 15)
The Peoria Women’s Club houses an eclectic collection of women artists’ works, reflecting its long history and the generosity of its members. Included are paintings by Nona White and her sister Emily and Ellen Kendall Baker.

 

Exhibit: Women in the Arts

Oct 15-Nov 15, Picture This Gallery

4610 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights 309-681-1865 Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm  https://www.facebook.com/picturethispeoriaheights

Exhibiting artists are Ellie Cofield (drawing), Ann Conver (photography), Ann Coulter (pastel), Cheryl Dean (photography), Julie Dodge (photography), Pat Keck (sculpture), Theresa McDade (painting), Jessica Peterson (drawing), Susan Plott (paper sculpture), Kels Roth (drawing), Linda Wilmot (colored pencil). 

 

 

For more information about the Citywide Celebration of Women Artists and these exhibits and events, see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Citywide.Celebration.Of.Women.Artists

and website www.citywidecelebration.wordpress.com.

Contact: Listed galleries or iwacelebration.com

 

 

Holiday music

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

 

CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION      SUNDAY, Nov. 17

St. Martin’s Chamber Players presents “Christmas in France,” a festive holiday celebration of French music, history and spirit at 3 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 725 E. Forest Hill, Peoria,  FREE

Premier performers include: Wes Sedrel, classical guitarist; Denis Cooksey, flute; Dawn Clark, French Horn; Grant Gillett, bassoon; Nancy Gillette, oboe; Dave Stewart and Mark Filip, clarinet; Randi Lancaster, flute and Sue Hulin, piano.

Concert Narrator, Edith Barnard, says the premiere of Clark’s “Medley of French Christmas Carol" is a unique opportunity for Central Illinois audiences to hear a beautiful interpretation of beloved French carols.

A “Meet the Artists” reception will follow the concert.

 

 

BRADLEY’S CLASSICAL GUITAR EXTRAVAGANDA              SUNDAY, Dec. 8

Bradley University Guitar Ensemble presents an evening of Classical Guitar Music in Dingeldine Hall at 7:30 guaranteed to transport you into musical realms to will warm your heart!  Classical guitarists featured are Wes Sedrel, Michael Hull, Alec Tiethoff, Justin Lindsey, Charlie Jacobs, Ryan Doll, and David Kindstrand.  Special guest clarinetist, Natasha Coan

FREE

 

 

APOLLO THEATER’S CHRISTMAS CAROL SING!!           SATURDAY, Dec. 21

Come at 6:30 to join Songstress Edith Barnard and Guitarist Wes Sedrel in singing familiar holiday songs and carols!  “Singing is dignified screaming!”, so come squeal with delight and sing with fellow theater-goers as you discover that “the shortest distance between two people is a song!”  At 7 p.m. the 1946 Christmas classic, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE!” with James Stewart, Donna Reed & Lionel Barrymore will be shown.  This Peoria holiday tradition has to turn away people each year, so come early and join Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and “make a joyful noise!” $5 Admission

Two Democrats say they are challenging Schock

PEORIA, IL -- First it was Republican turned Democrat Darrel Miller, 60, of Danvers, a McLean County farmer. (Scroll down on the link to Sept. 19.)

Now it's a Quincy Democrat who is gathering signatures to run.

Both want to challenge the incumbent Cong. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, for the 18th Congressional District, a huge district of supposedly Republican voters that includes the northside of Peoria.

The Quincy challenger is Rob Mellon, 42, a history teacher at Quincy High School and US Army veteran.(The link is to a good newspaper story on Mellon.)

This is good news, as Miller is a questionable candidate given his background.

If both of their signature efforts pan out, there will be a Democratic party primary for this race, where we will learn more about the candidates.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Radioactive drinking water?

PEORIA, IL -- Just when you thought environmental problems couldn't get any worse, now this:  The US Coast Guard proposes allowing barge operators to transport radioactive water on the nation's waterways!

See the story here. There's a link where you can comment, but doing that is incredibly complicated. (No wonder the Affordable Care Act website is screwed up.  So is this one.)  Instead we need an internet petition, and here it is.) 

Want to drink radioactive water?  The Illinois River supplies drinking water to cities along its banks, including Peoria and Pekin.

This is simply unbelievable!

 -- Elaine Hopkins