SUPERINTENDENT MATTHEW J. KLOSTERMAN BOARD OF EDUCATION: KEITH M. JOHNSON JUDINE M. KEPLAR GARY L. LAWRENCE KENYA M. LOGAN JOE A. ROBERTSON AARON M. SNIVELY DIANNE E. ZIMMERMANN Belleville Public Schools Where Quality Education is a Tradition District 118 TERRA R. HILMES Secretary February 10, 2015 Dear Parents: In an effort to provide accurate information to the school community, I want to inform you of a sensitive situation. Several days ago, concerns were brought to the attention of Belleville District 118 administrators regarding potentially inappropriate behavior on the part of a Paraprofessional toward a student. The school district immediately initiated a thorough inquiry into the concerns and took appropriate measures to ensure that students would not have contact with the Paraprofessional during the course of the inquiry. In accordance with State law, the district also forwarded the concerns to other State and local agencies authorized to receive such reports. Earlier today, after conducting an independent, objective and impartial investigation into the concerns, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney decided there was sufficient evidence to charge the Paraprofessional. We understand the concerns and questions you or your child may have about foregoing reports and subsequent developments. The Paraprofessional is no longer an employee of the district. As a school district, we are deeply troubled by any report that a school employee may have engaged in inappropriate behavior. Therefore, the school district will continue to fully cooperate with the Belleville Police during their investigation. In the meantime, please be assured that protecting the welfare of all students and providing a safe, secure learning environment is our first priority. Sincerely, Matthew Klosterman Superintendent Belleville Public School District #118 Administrative Offices – 105 West “A” Street – Belleville, Illinois 62220 – 618-233-2830 – FAX 618-233-8355 Website: http://www.belleville118.org Belleville Public School District #118 receives Federal Funds in the form of Title I, Title II and IDEA