Meet Belleville schools’ new principals, superintendent for 2025-26
Belleville schools will see some leadership changes this coming school year.
Marshaun Warren is the new superintendent of Belleville Township High School District 201, while Melanie Brink is the new superintendent of Belle Valley. Joe Rujawitz, formerly the associate principal at Belleville East High School, will be at the school’s helm as principal.
In an effort to help you get to know your new school administration before the school year starts, the Belleville News-Democrat sent these three individuals a questionnaire. We asked about their previous experiences, their concerns and hopes for the coming year and how to contact them. Click here to see responses from leaders from across St. Clair County. Here’s what the Belleville administrators said:
Belleville Township High School District 201
Marshaun Warren, superintendent
Previous experience:
- Assistant superintendent - human resources & DEI (District 201)
- Adjunct professor: Webster University, Maryville University
- Director of human resources (District 201)
- Coordinator of administrative services (District 201)
- Belleville East associate principal (District 201)
- Belleville East assistant principal (District 201)
- Ladue Middle School ELA teacher, department chair (Ladue School District)
- Westview Middle School assistant principal (Riverview Gardens School District)
- Whiteside Middle School assistant principal (Whiteside District #115)
- Whiteside Middle School 8th grade ELA Teacher (Whiteside District #115)
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in elementary education - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Master of Arts in educational administration - Lindenwood University
- Education specialist degree in educational administration - Lindenwood University
- Ph.D. in educational leadership - Saint Louis University
Annual base salary: $195,000
What is one issue in education that you’re most concerned about? What is one solution that you’re most excited about?
I am dedicated to ensuring that our students are ready to enter the workforce successfully — either right out of high school or through post-secondary education. I am especially committed to ensuring that our students have equitable access to high-quality academic and career courses that support long-term objectives. I’m thrilled that District #201 has a broad range of programs to assist with these paths, including our newest programs at the C.A.V.E. (Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence), which provide experiential, career-oriented learning experiences.
In addition, I’m encouraged by our increasing dual credit partnerships that allow students to earn college credit while they’re still in high school — an invaluable step towards making their college transition easier and reducing future college debt. Programs like Grow Your Own (GYO), which supports students with a passion to become teachers, are a powerful example of how we can build sustainable pipelines into in-demand professions and invest in our own community.
What do you want to tell students as they come back this year?
I want students to know that District #201 offers exceptional opportunities to grow — both academically and personally. I encourage all students to make the most of these opportunities by getting involved, sharing their ideas and helping to create vibrant, welcoming campuses where everyone can thrive.
What would you like parents/guardians to know?
I want parents, guardians, and families to know how much we value our partnership with you, and we look forward to continued collaboration throughout the school year. We believe deeply in the potential of every student, and our administrators, faculty and staff are committed to creating an environment where all students feel seen, supported and empowered to succeed.
How can parents/guardians contact you?
mwarren@bths201.org
Joe Rujawitz, principal of Belleville East High School
Previous experience:
- 2009-2013- Paraprofessional at Belleville West HS- assistant wrestling coach Belleville West
- 2013-2014- Special education teacher at Belleville West High School
- 2014-2019- Special education teacher at Belleville East HS- head wrestling coach Belleville West
- 2019-2020- Behavior interventionist for TARGET Program- Belleville East High School
- 2020-2023- Assistant principal- Belleville East High School
- 2023-2025- Associate principal- Belleville East High School
- 2025- Principal- Belleville East High School
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Southern Illinois Edwardsville
- Special education endorsement from Greenville University
- Master’s degree in education from Lindenwood University of Belleville
- Master’s degree in administration from McKendree University
Annual base salary: $145,000
What is one issue in education that you’re most concerned about? What is one solution that you’re most excited about?
I believe social media and the effects on students both academically and socially is concerning. However, when social media is used correctly it is very beneficial. I’m excited about our staff at Belleville East. Our school culture is booming and the staff is energetic and excited about helping students in all aspects of life. We work in a district that helps promote careers both academically and vocationally.
What do you want to tell students as they come back this year?
Be excited! District 201 is here for them and we are here to keep them engaged, challenged and to provide a family-style relationship our school community. Be proud that you represent such a fantastic school.
What would you like parents/guardians to know?
Parents/guardians need to know that we all need to work together to get the most out of our students. It takes a village and we are all on the same team in helping promote positive attributes and future pathways for our future generations.
How can parents/guardians contact you?
Through email at jrujawitz@bths201.org or call my office at 618-222-3706.
Belle Valley School District 119
Melanie Brink, superintendent
Previous experience:
I have held many leadership positions before coming to Belle Valley 119, including superintendent, principal, assistant principal and curriculum director.
Education:
I earned my bachelor’s and specialist’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University, master’s degree from Rockford University and Ph.D from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Annual base salary: $138,500
What is one issue in education that you’re most concerned about? What is one solution that you’re most excited about?
As schools across the state continue to see the lasting effects of stress, anxiety and trauma on student learning and behavior, the need for intentional social and emotional support has become increasingly important. At Belle Valley, this educational issue is being addressed with a clear, district-wide goal with supporting activities focused on social-emotional learning (SEL) and trauma-informed practices. In addition, this summer, several district leaders and faculty members took part in a week-long SEL training to strengthen how we support students both emotionally and academically.
What do you want to tell students as they come back this year?
Your teachers have been working hard over the summer getting their classrooms ready. I am looking forward to seeing you all in the fall. It’s going to be a great year as WE AIM HIGH to Achieve Important Milestones through academic excellence, integrity and kindness, and mindful growth!
What would you like parents/guardians to know?
This is an exciting year to be a Belle Valley Bomber! The district will be celebrating 150 years of excellence with an open house scheduled from 10-12 on Saturday, October 4. Retired staff, community members and current faculty and staff are working hard to make this a celebration to commemorate the long tradition of academics, arts, music, athletics and Belle Valley pride. To commemorate this milestone, our school-wide theme this year is “CELEBRATE!” We look forward to seeing you all there!
How can parents/guardians contact you?
School phone (618-236-5200) or email (mbrink@bv119.net)
This story was originally published August 7, 2025 at 4:15 AM.