PEORIA, IL -- Below is an open letter from Peoria City Council member Beth Akeson, sent Dec. 10. She's 100 percent correct.
City Manager Urich, Council Member Weaver, Council Member Spain and Mayor Ardis,
Tomorrow morning you have either been invited or have called a meeting with District 150 to discuss issues of mutual concern. The status of the Stadium property on War Memorial Drive will most likely be discussed either by express consideration or as a result of your discussion about the benefit of separate athletic facilities for Central and Manual High Schools.
As a fellow city council member I am asking you with great respect to consider the significance of your input and advice during this meeting. You witnessed last summer the outcry citizens expressed when they learned District 150 was attempting, with the City of Peoria’s help, a plan to sell the stadium property to Wal-Mart.
This level of outcry has been unmatched during my time in Peoria. I hope you understand that the citizens’ reaction was not a statement against something, but for the restoration of the stadium as a centrally located District 150 facility and therefore a community asset.
Please take a step back and consider the financial risk if you agree to support District 150’s view that each high school must have their own independent athletic facility. They imagine greater attendance and increased participation in athletic events at both high schools if on-site facilities are built. They imagine a heightened sense of respect, community pride and enrollment with improved athletic facilities. The truth is that only when academic rigor and improved academic performance is achieved will we EVER see a change in enrollment numbers. Families with the highest standards do not choose a school based on their athletic facilities and if you believe this to be true please forward to me your evidence. Please do what you can to stop this wrong-headed thinking. District 150’s success depends on a commitment to academic success and not the various distractions that have been offered by their administration.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Akeson
Peoria City Council Member- at-Large
309-696-7530
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