Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) is launching new classes to educate and engage community members without requiring students to participate in district events.
“This is the first time we're doing something like this. We feel like this is a really innovative idea,” said Daniel Airey, PUSD's chief communications officer. “It's something we learn as we go, and we hope to improve over time, but what we really want to accomplish is raise awareness and change.”
The Retirement Leadership Academy meets once a month from 8 a.m. to noon from February through May.
“This Retirement Leadership Academy actually grew out of an initiative that we put into our strategic plan as one of our key strategies to reach the 70 percent of our community who don't have school-age children at home.” said Iley.
“(70% of them) are people over 55 or maybe retired, and they used to send their kids to school, but now they don't. And they've graduated and are still in our community. alumni who live in the United States but don’t yet have children at home. …So we deepen our understanding and build connections with this group to ensure that even though we don’t have any students at our school, we still offer them. We want them to feel like they understand the types of services we have and how we're doing. Where does it come from and how is it being used to do the most good in schools?”
The academy will consist of courses focused on the district's rich history, school finance, academics, community growth support, and strategic planning. An expert will come to speak to the class about finances. The class also discusses student performance and what the future holds for the district.
The Retirement Leadership Academy meets once a month from 8 a.m. to noon from February through May.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit some of the district's 42 schools and speak with students and staff.
“While we welcome those who want to learn from this experience and become ambassadors of education in their communities, I think it’s important to note that we also welcome those who are skeptical,” Iley said. “We welcome the opportunity to correct any misinformation they may have, address any concerns, and discuss how we can and will improve as a district. ”
Airy is excited to see first-hand what today's students are going through and the types of opportunities available to them, and to see lightbulb moments happen for people in the community.
“Showing others the magic that happens in the classroom when students learn and teachers do their best is truly an amazing thing to experience and watch others experience. ,” Iley said.
The Retirement Leadership Academy consists of courses that focus on the district's rich history, school finance, academics, supporting community growth, and strategic planning.
Those interested in joining the academy can register through the district's website. Airy warned that slots are limited and filling up quickly.
Iley hopes that the class will bring understanding to participants, that they will take the impact it has had on them and share it with others so that they, too, can make an impact in their communities. is.
“It’s about not only seeing all the strong work that local schools are doing, but also being like an education ambassador and understanding what they have to share,” Earley said.
“Or if you hear something that may not be completely right, you have the opportunity to correct it, or at least know someone here in the district that you can call and have them address that question. Or you have the opportunity to say you can find out more.”
