Peoria district votes for shorter school day

PEORIA, Ill. The move affects 12 of the district's 16 elementary schools and some 6,500 students next year. The board acted despite the opposition of parents. They say the idea goes against both common sense and what the board has pushed for in the past -- a lengthier school day.

Board President David Gorenz says the new schedule offers greater flexibility and said students will not realize the loss of 45 minutes.

The district is still looking at ways to ax a combined $2.4 million in spending. Already, the board has voted to close a school to save what's being estimated at about $1.4 million annually.