Belleville high school changes to watch for

The curated articles collectively examine shifts in Belleville area schools, focusing on changes in funding, leadership, infrastructure, and policies. Federal funding plans vary widely as schools grapple with the potential closure of the U.S. Department of Education. Some schools in Belleville use funds for paraprofessionals, technology, and special education. Belleville 118 is exploring $12 million in upgrades, emphasizing security and accessibility enhancements.

District 201 employees will soon carry panic buttons for emergency responses, reflecting heightened safety concerns. Leadership transitions include the departure of District 201's superintendent, signaling an impending search for a successor.

NO. 1: BELLEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL WEAR PANIC BUTTONS TO HELP HEAD OFF EMERGENCIES

The same system was used at Apalachee High School in Georgia, which law enforcement officials said likely saved lives. | Published October 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kelly Smits

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. 2: 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

Joe Rujawitz with his family after he was unanimously voted to be Belleville East High School’s next principal at Monday evening’s school board meeting. From left to right are Beth, Joe, Kaden and Connor Rujawitz. By Madison Lammert

NO. 3: BELLEVILLE EAST’S NEW PRINCIPAL IS FORMER HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER WHO USED TO ‘BLEED MAROON’

The move comes less than a month after hiring a new superintendent in place of departing Brian Mentzer. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

Fedrick Ingram, secretary treasurer for the American Federation of Teachers, watches on as children perform math exercises at James Avant Elementary in Washington Park, Ill. on Oct. 8, 2024. By Joshua Carter

NO. 4: HOW MUCH FEDERAL FUNDING DOES YOUR METRO-EAST SCHOOL GET AND HOW IS IT SPENT?

And is that money and the programs it supports at risk with the Trump administration’s plan to disband the U.S. Department of Education? | Published April 14, 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.