New District Administrator Seeks to Strengthen Community Ties Through Coffee and Conversation
Belleville High School Science teacher Mr. Bussey engages with families at Back-to-School Night as students start the school year. Photo courtesy of Marie Perry
Getting to know one’s hometown community is essential – especially in a new leadership role! School districts in small, rural communities like Belleville often become the hub for education, but not just for grades PreK-12. For the School District of Belleville, much more rests on its shoulders. One example of this is its Community Education and Recreation program. Through the schools, Belleville’s Community Ed & Rec program offers lifelong learning opportunities to the whole of the Belleville community. However, a strong school system offers many other merits to its local community as well and this is a dialogue District Administrator Jim Schmitt wants to engage the public with as he begins the 2024-2025 school year.
The Belleville schools help provide a foundation for the future of its citizens. Graduates often make their way “home” as they look to build their careers, strengthening services and investing in local resources. Having a vibrant school community is essential for continued growth in small town America. Growth is something everyone benefits from in a smaller community like Belleville, but creating valuable opportunities for its residents through its school district is essential.
Continuing to build for a strong future is something Jim Schmitt wants to embrace, and that means making connections and understanding the needs and strengths of the learning community he now serves. No matter one’s age, there are strong partnerships to continue to build in Belleville and Mr. Schmitt is excited to reach out and talk about how the School District of Belleville can best serve its community.
Schmitt notes, “Schools are one of the primary institutions in a community, and hearing from stakeholders is critical to ensuring that the schools reflect the community’s values. Schools have become increasingly complex, and having listening sessions is one way we continue to dialogue about our schools.”
If you are interested in meeting with Belleville’s new District Administrator, please mark your calendar and join Jim Schmitt for coffee and conversation at the Lingonberry Llama on Friday, September 20, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Learn about what is happening with the school district, how its budget works, share any feedback you have for the district, and ask any questions you might have.
