Statewide challenges impacting Belleville high schools

Belleville’s high schools face a range of statewide challenges that directly affect students and staff. Ongoing teacher shortages create stress and higher workloads, and nearly 60% of Illinois teachers say they are considering leaving the profession, often due to low pay and increased demands. Policy changes, such as moves to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, could reduce federal support for programs serving students with disabilities or from low-income families.

Meanwhile, Belleville’s districts are planning substantial security and accessibility upgrades, funded partly by rising property values, though continued funding remains uncertain. Changing policies—like stricter cell phone usage rules or responses to immigration enforcement on school grounds—also require schools to adapt their procedures.

A composite photo of a hallway on Harmony Intermediate’s first day of school on Aug. 16, 2023. Harmony-Emge District 175, like other districts in the metro-east, is grappling with Illinois’ teacher shortage. By Joshua Carter

NO. 1: MAJORITY OF ILLINOIS TEACHERS CONSIDERING LEAVING EDUCATION, SURVEY FINDS. WHY?

“If there was any question why there’s a teacher and education support staff shortage, there should not be one now.” | Published October 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brian Moline

NO. 2: HOME VALUES SURGED IN BELLEVILLE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE SCHOOLS’ PROPERTY TAX RATE?

“I think in the 18 years I’ve been up here, that is the largest projected increase in our equalized assessed valuation,” one superintendent said. | Published November 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kelly Smits

Outside of Freeburg Elementary School in Freeburg, Ill., on Aug. 26, 2024.

NO. 3: FREEBURG SCHOOL BOARD ACCEPTS SUPERINTENDENT’S RESIGNATION BUT MAKES IT IMMEDIATE

“This is an attempt to blame somebody,” member David Stein said. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Teri Maddox

A sign outside Kreitner Elementary School in Collinsville welcomed students back in both English and Spanish on Wednesday, the first day of school. By Teri Maddox

NO. 4: METRO-EAST SCHOOLS WON’T BE ‘BATTLEGROUND FOR IMMIGRATION POLICY,’ SUPERINTENDENTS SAY

“We’re here to educate kids, help them socially, emotionally and make sure they’re well-nourished. That’s going to continue to be our focus,” one superintendent said. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lexi Cortes Mike Koziatek

Marshaun Warren was hired as the new superintendent of Belleville Township High School District 201.

NO. 5: NEW DISTRICT 201 SUPERINTENDENT HAS DEEP TIES TO METRO-EAST, BELLEVILLE HIGH SCHOOLS

“I live here, I work here, and it’s important that I educate my children here,” she said. | Published February 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

Ms. McMuellen of Avant Elementary School teaches kindergarteners during class. By Joshua Carter

NO. 6: WHAT ARE ILLINOIS SCHOOL DISTRICTS DOING TO COMBAT A PROLONGED TEACHER SHORTAGE?

“We understand that this budget, although compassionate, still has a long way to go when it comes to really being able to close gaps.” | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jessie Ngugen Jodran Owens

Outside of Belleville 118’s school district building. By Joshua Carter

NO. 7: BELLEVILLE 118 BOARD CONSIDERING $12M IN UPGRADES AT 11 SCHOOLS. HERE’S WHAT’S INCLUDED

“We are probably going to be able to get more things done this summer for the amount of money we are spending than ever before,” Superintendent Ryan Boike said. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

While he only uses limited icons on his cell phone, BND columnist Terry Mackin notes Siri his saved him countless hours of lost time with regard to directions.

NO. 8: METRO-EAST SCHOOL DISTRICT MOVES TOWARD RESTRICTIVE CELL PHONE POLICY

“The more students are on their phones, the less engaged they are,” the superintendent said. | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.