Belleville students protest budget cuts that will cost teachers jobs
Layoffs are being implemented by the Board of Education in Belleville to make up for a $3 million deficit.
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Students at Belleville High School conducted a walkout Friday morning as an act of protest against district wide budget cuts.
Approximately 100 students at Belleville High staged a protest and rally on the football field while chanting, "one community, one voice."
They do not agree with a decision from the Board of Education to layoff 29 staffers. Several more will be transferred to other schools, including Belleville High Principal Caleb Rhodes.
"Students really appreciate him and we don’t want the change and even he doesn’t want the change. He spoke out in front of the board, and unfortunately, our cries were left unanswered," said Tawfik Abubaker.
Others are upset the the staff that provides mental health services to those in need is being reduced as part of these cuts.
"The health and wellness center has been benefiting so many kids. You could have problems at home, your family issues, homeless kids, kids that don’t know where to get their next meal. They go to the Health and wellness center and receive help from there," said Israa Alshalabi.
The Board of Education voted on the staffing cuts as a way to correct a $3 million deficit.
The superintendent of Belleville schools has said the reduction in staff is based on reasons of fiscal responsibility not individual performance. He has noted that the district is also receiving $1 million less in state aid.
