New Belleville East assistant principal is familiar to District 201
Rashida McKinley, who was the assistant principal at The Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence last school year, is returning to Belleville East High School as an assistant principal for the 2025-26 school year.
Before her time at Belleville Township High School District 201’s The CAVE, McKinley was a social worker at Belleville East. She said she’s excited to advance the work she previously did during her time at East.
Her 19 years in education also includes time spent across the river as she was once the director of the guidance department chair at University City High School in Missouri, and later for the entire district. McKinley also served for 12 years as an adjunct professor at Lindenwood University, where she prepared students for a career in school counseling.
Though her experiences may be varied, McKinley said there’s one thing that ties them all together:
“Everything revolves around the students,” she said.
Working with students brings McKinley joy, she said. As an assistant principal at East, McKinley will be working with sophomores whose last names start with H through Z. Most of these students will be brand new to McKinley, as they weren’t in high school when she was last at East and, with the exception of the district’s alternative education center, The CAVE primarily serves juniors and seniors.
“Sophomores need continued structure, so (I’ll be) an example and helping hand to them and their parents,” McKinley said.
Superintendent Marshaun Warren said in addition to working with her sophomores, McKinley will be “essentially supporting the overall school community at Belleville East.” This includes duty assignments like sports games, assisting with professional development and contacting parents when necessary, Warren said.
The starting salary for McKinley’s position at East is $90,482, Warren said.
More admin changes at Belleville schools
Brent Whipple, previously the district’s director of special education, is stepping into McKinley’s former position as an assistant principal at The CAVE.
McKinley will work alongside Joe Rujawitz, Belleville East’s new principal. Krysten Harres is the school’s new associate principal.
Staccy Lampkin joins Belleville West as an assistant principal after working in nearby districts.
At the district level, the 2025-26 school year is Warren’s first as superintendent. Andrea Gannon, who was Belleville East’s principal last school year, is now the district’s director of human resources. Soune Ursani is the district’s new director of curriculum, and Stacy Louderman is the district’s new director of special education.
