The 2000s

From the year 2000 to 2009 Peoria High School underwent many changes, some from the politics of the district and some from the tremendous growth in the southern portion of the district.  

• The district went from the steady control of Dr. Raymond Kellis to having four different superintendents within a 10-year period.

 • Peoria High School had usually one or two principals for a 10- or 15-year period of length but during this time they went to three. 

• The biggest change in administration was fourteen assistant principals during this 10-year period. 

• PHS grew to its largest enrollment ever going over the 3000 marks for enrollment while Dr. Raymond Kellis High School was being built. 

• With an increase in enrollment, the school went to two lunches and can you imagine having at one time three lunches. It was bell after bell but that wat the consequence of growth. 

• In the winter or for special occasions, the school was divided, and you had to have two assemblies to accommodate the student body.

• With growth came elementary school boundary changes and split schools. This made it harder to maintain the spirit and tradition that Peoria had been famous for. This also led to recruiting of athletes by our sister schools to the north. 

• Block Schedule thrived and we had outstanding programs in every area. An example would be in the area of band where we had Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and a Mariachi Band. We had something for every- one. 

• Two other high schools opened up in the district during this time. Liberty opened up in 2006 and Raymond Kellis opened up in 2004. Two consequences of these school openings. Teachers left for opportunities such as department heads and being closer to home. With Raymond Kellis the biggest consequence was that the enrollment started dropping to the point that by the end of this period it was down to about 1800. • Finally, the State legislature passed laws requiring student to test to certain levels. Testing is fine but they took it overboard and we began to turn students off with all the testing. Also, good teachers were taken out of the classroom to monitor and develop testing strategies.