School Board Weighs Ending Elite Program Funding
Peoria Public Schools could vote Monday on whether to end support for the Elite Game Changer program that serves students with academic and behavioral challenges.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Peoria Public Schools board agreed in August to fund the Elite Game Changer program for $312,000 through the first half of the school year, but delayed a decision on the second half. The board could vote Monday to end its support for the program, which the district has proposed replacing with an alternative called NOVA Academy.
Why it matters
The vote would determine whether a nonprofit-run program serving children with academic and behavioral issues continues in Peoria schools. The decision also reflects a broader question about how the district allocates funds for student support services.
The school board approved $312,000 to fund the Elite program through the first half of the school year. No figure has been set for the second half, which the board delayed deciding.
The players
Elite Community Outreach
A nonprofit organization that runs the Elite Game Changer program in Peoria, serving children with academic and behavioral challenges.
NAACP Peoria Branch
The local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which joined Elite in supporting the program's continuation.
Peoria Public Schools
The public school district serving Peoria, whose board controls funding decisions for the Elite Game Changer program.
The details
Elite Community Outreach and the NAACP Peoria Branch held a joint news conference Friday to highlight the program's benefits, and plan a rally Saturday in support of continuing it. Elite founder and CEO Carl Cannon emphasized the personal connection Elite staff have with students.
Timeline
August: The school board agreed to fund the Elite program through the first half of the school year.
Friday: Elite and the NAACP Peoria Branch held a joint news conference.
Monday: The school board could vote on ending support for the program.
Saturday: Elite and the NAACP plan a rally in support of continuing the program.
Market Landscape
The board's choice between continuing Elite and shifting to the district-proposed NOVA Academy frames a competition between a nonprofit-run model and an in-house district program. Whichever option the board selects will shape how Peoria allocates contracted student support services going forward.
Families whose children participate in the Elite program could see it end or change depending on the board's vote Monday. Parents and students would need to watch for the district's decision on whether NOVA Academy takes its place.
The takeaway
The Monday board vote will determine whether Elite continues beyond the current funding window or gives way to the district's NOVA Academy proposal. Residents following the decision can track the board's agenda through Peoria Public Schools.
What happens next
The Peoria Public Schools board could vote Monday on whether to end its support for the Elite Game Changer program.
Further reading
For related coverage of nonprofit giving and community funding, explore Philanthropy coverage.
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