Kelly Smits
Education and Environmental Reporter | Belleville News-DemocratKelly Smits joined the Belleville News-Democrat as a news intern in July 2023 before becoming the education and environment reporter. She recently completed a joint master’s program at Sciences Po Paris, where she studied journalism and environmental policy. Previously, she has reported for the Green Bay Press-Gazette and PolitiFact Wisconsin and freelanced for the River City Journalism Fund.
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This development comes after the St. Clair County Health Department announced last week it was investigating an outbreak of shigellosis among customers who'd eaten at the LongHorn Stakehouse. -
Two factors are driving the district's plans: enrollment at the Metro East high school is increasing, and the district had added programs that require dividing space and creating new classrooms. -
The actions at Monday's board meeting follow several teachers speaking out against Freeberg board member Jayson Baker. In his defense, Baker said he is "proud to stand alone, even if it comes at a great personal cost." -
Proponents said consolidating the two small districts would reduce overhead costs, increase financial stability and improve the schools’ academic and athletic opportunities for students. -
A former school administrator and a regional superintendent pitched the benefits of a merger to members of both boards this week. -
“I believe in Catholic education,” Bishop Michael McGovern said. “Of all the different ministries we have, I think education is something we’ve done very well, especially in the United States.” -
Venice, Madison and Granite City have ties to World War II-era production of radioactive materials used by the U.S. Atomic Weapons Commission — just like St. Louis and St. Charles counties in Missouri. -
The Illinois State Board of Education voted to approve the financial plan it required Grant District 110 to submit to show how it will reduce deficits and improve financial reporting, internal controls and grant management. -
With the help of an alternative financing mechanism that doesn’t require a bond referendum, Cahokia Community Unit School District 187 is forging ahead with a new high school. -
Grant School District 110 failed to apply for several federal grants in recent years. The district was certified as being in "financial difficulty" in March by the Illinois' State Board of Education. -
In April, Collinsville Unit School District #10 announced it’s considering closing the school due to declining enrollment and would hold three hearings to receive public input. -
In fiscal year 2025, the district will reduce its expenditures by about $266,000 due to staff attrition and some students not being placed in out-of-district programs.
