Peoria Public Schools

October 30, 2023

With 12,940 students across 25 school buildings, Peoria Public Schools believes in providing every student with the instruction and resources they need to reach their full potential. To that end, equity is embedded in our work.

Today, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the annual Illinois Report Card, offering a deeper understanding of the academics, climate, and culture of each school and a quantitative look into Peoria Public Schools’ standing as a District. These designations measure our growth compared to the other 852 districts in the State of Illinois.

To give context, with the exception of Chicago Public Schools, Peoria Public Schools is the only large K-12 school district in Illinois that serves a student population with a low-income rate exceeding 75% and a mobility rate exceeding 20%. Every student deserves a bright future and while the path to seeing equitable outcomes is not linear, the newly released ISBE report card reflects that Peoria Public Schools is continually moving forward.

For the 2022-23 school year, 47.8% of PPS earned a designation of commendable or higher. 4 schools improved in designation, including Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School’s dramatic rise from performing in the lowest 5% of IL schools to earning commendable status. Reservoir Gifted Academy also maintained its exemplary status, placing it in the top 10% of all IL schools.

For the first time in Peoria Public School history:

• All three high schools earned a commendable designation with no underperforming student groups.

• The average high school graduation rate is 81%, a dramatic rise from 65.1% in 2015.

• 89% of 9th-grade students finished the school year on track to graduate on time, compared to just 74% in 2015.

• 88% of full-time teachers return to their positions every year compared to 78% in 2015.

By expanding access to personalized software, revitalizing reading curriculum, and increasing in-person interventions, 74% of our schools increased in English/Language Arts (ELA) grade-level proficiency. Compared to other IL students, PPS saw a 4% growth in ELA.

After partnering with The New Teacher Project to support teachers in providing engaging math instruction and purchasing new K- 12 math curriculum, 56.5% of schools increased in math proficiency. Compared to other IL students, PPS grew by 2% in math.

Each historic accomplishment is a direct result of the innovative and evidence-based strategies implemented diligently year after year. The holistic growth of Peoria Public Schools is a testament to the efforts of our skilled educators, dedicated board members, resilient students and families and unwavering community support.

As a District, we will not stop our efforts until every student is on grade level and graduates on time as their first step to a remarkable future.

With gratitude,

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Superintendent