Latest news with #KellySmits
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eight pressing headlines highlighting education in metro-east schools
Stories by Belleville News-Democrat journalists, with AI summarization This collection of stories explores the factors shaping education in Belleville high schools. Local schools have taken steps such as equipping high school staff with panic buttons to address safety and adjusting to severe weather by shifting to e-learning days during winter storms. The articles also describe plans for major upgrades in District 118 schools, including security cameras and improved playgrounds, and highlight ongoing funding questions as home values rise and school tax rates change. The set discusses the options local leaders consider for cellphone policies in response to a possible state ban, and how addressing the teacher shortage leads some districts to use retired educators and alternate staffing models. Other stories follow new administrative appointments in Belleville schools and how leadership promotes belonging through parent engagement, along with proposals to use federal funding for full-service community school models in neighboring East St. Louis. Read the stories below. 'It has great promise. It's proven: kids do better. They learn better. Attendance is better, the whole nine yards.' | Published October 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by ksmits@ Smits 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 '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 From 'locked' pouches to exceptions for educational purposes, southwestern Illinois schools' cellphone policies are diverse. Could proposed legislation change that? | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert '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 'She's always just had an amazing heart for kids,' Principal Monet Webster said of the new assistant principal. | Published April 17, 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.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
8 statewide challenges influencing Belleville's high schools
Stories by Belleville News-Democrat journalists, with AI summarization 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. '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 '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 'This is an attempt to blame somebody,' member David Stein said. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Teri Maddox '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 '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 '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 '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 '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.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
8 stories shaping education and resources in Belleville schools
Stories by Belleville News-Democrat journalists, with AI summarization Belleville schools are facing changes and challenges that shape education for students and staff. Federal funding remains vital, with districts using Title I and IDEA funds for staffing, technology, and resources to support students with disabilities and those from low-income families. Safety upgrades, like the Centegix Safety Platform and wearable panic buttons for teachers, are being introduced to help respond quickly to emergencies. Leadership changes are also underway in Districts 201 and 118. Meanwhile, rising property values are enabling districts to lower tax rates while planning facility improvements and maintaining essential services. 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 '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 'I have nightmares about what's going to happen to my children,' an East St. Louis District 189 teacher said. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert 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 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 'She's always just had an amazing heart for kids,' Principal Monet Webster said of the new assistant principal. | Published April 17, 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.
