Cotton Boll Elementary School

Tomorrow, July 31, Peoria Unified will be closed as all staff are on a furlough day. During a furlough day, all district schools and worksites are closed to the public, employees do not work and are not paid.

Last November, the community did not approve the override funding for our schools, resulting in a loss of approximately $11 million from this year's operating budget, or our maintenance and operations fund. This, coupled with declining enrollment has caused the district to cut a total of $21 million from our current budget. One way the budget shortfall will be addressed is with three furlough days this school year: July 31, February 12 and May 12. These furlough days will result in an average pay decrease of 1.5 to 1.7% for all staff members.

All school and district offices will reopen for normal hours on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, for the first day of school.

Learn more about Peoria Unified's fiscal reality at peoriaunified.org/fiscalrealities.

CCV STARS U14 Boys National 2 Team proudly volunteered their time to help beautify our campus before students return for the 2026–27 school year.

As our first Love Our Schools Day project of the year, these student-athletes demonstrated that leadership extends beyond the field.
We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and for community partners like CCV STARS who help create a welcoming environment for our students and staff.

School starts on August 3 this year! For the most up-to-date calendar, be sure to visit peoriaunified.org/calendar.

Happy birthday to America! 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence forming the United States of America. From learning about the three branches of government to understanding the importance of voting, Peoria Unified is committed to educating our students to be civic-minded, responsible citizens.

Be sure to register, verify and update your voter registration status by visiting peoriaunified.org/vote.

Elections might not be as exciting as a grand opening, but they do serve as an important opportunity for you to make your voice heard on local, state and federal ballot initiatives. Register to vote today at peoriaunified.org/vote.

From all of us here at Cotton Boll, Happy Father’s Day!

Are you ready to enter the classroom and find more ways to impact student success? We currently have teaching positions open in Elementary Special Education. We know that it takes passionate teachers to prepare every student for their future and we want you to join us in that vision. With new teacher orientation, expert coaches, mentorship programs and ongoing professional development opportunities, you will be well supported in Peoria Unified. Join our team of dedicated teachers and apply now at peoriaunified.org/careers.