Tears and frustration: 15 teachers, 22 assistants lose their jobs at District 201

Almost 40 teachers or teaching assistants in Belleville Township High School District 201 lost their jobs at a special board meeting Monday.

District officials also expressed frustrations with the state, with Highsmith’s statement saying the state owes the district about $2 million and blaming the district’s financial condition on “a lack of coherent policy” at the state level.

Belleville high school district cuts 37 teachers, support staff

Belleville high school board voted Monday to cut 37 teachers and aides, with expected savings for the district of about $1.2 million.

The unanimous vote was cast at a special board meeting. Board President Curt Highsmith said cuts also would have to be made from other areas of the budget as the district deals with its own deficit, as well as a $2 million IOU from the state.

Belleville School District 118 announces layoffs

Fifteen full-time teachers are among 41 employees being laid off in Belleville School District 118 this summer.

The school board approved the dismissals Tuesday night.

The Illinois state budget deficit was cited as a reason for the layoffs.