EAST ST. LOUIS – With support from State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois State Board of Education awarded 10 local school districts with a combined $485,000 for infrastructure improvements.

“School facility quality is an important factor in teacher retention and student learning,” said Belt (D-Swansea), chair of the Senate Education Committee. “When individuals are comfortable in their classroom, they are more successful. This state investment will directly contribute to an improved learning environment.”

School districts across the 57th District set to receive funds include:

• Belleville SD 118 - $50,000
• East St. Louis SD 189 - $50,000
• Freeburg CCSD 70 - $50,000
• Freeburg CHSD 77 - $50,000
• Granite City CUSD 9 - $50,000
• High Mount SD 116 - $50,000
• Millstadt CCSD 160 - $50,000
• O’Fallon CCSD 90 - $50,000
• O’Fallon Twp HSD 203 - $50,000
• Smithton CCSD 130 - $35,000

Funds will be used for projects to update heating and cooling infrastructure, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

In the latest announcement, a total of $30 million in School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.