Long-Time Alton Educator Mike Bellm Reflects on Career, Prepares to Retire

ALTON - As Alton Community Unit School District #11 prepares to say goodbye to long-time educator Mike Bellm, he is looking forward to retirement.

But Bellm noted it will be a bittersweet departure, as he has spent his 33-year career in the Alton School District and has loved every minute. From English teacher to high school principal to his current role as Director of Student Services, Bellm has always prioritized student success, and he is thankful for the school district’s continued belief in him.

“I got called back after an interview here and was given the job, and it was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life,” Bellm said. “It was an absolutely great place to spend my career.”

Bellm grew up in Wood River and attended college at the University of Central Arkansas. He snagged the job as a high school English teacher in Alton right out of college and moved back to the Riverbend to teach.

That same year, Bellm was named the head baseball coach. He eventually became the assistant athletic director and then “just gradually kind of moved up,” becoming a dean, an assistant principal, and then ultimately the high school principal for eight years.

As a baseball coach for 13 years, Bellm developed close relationships with the players and their families as well as his assistant coaches. He is “forever grateful” to the kids he coached and the people who supported him in this role.

Bellm loved working directly with students, especially as the principal. He made it a point to attend sporting events as well as theater and music performances and more, so he could “see the students excel” and support them in all of their endeavors.

“It was absolutely great to see the students come in the door their freshman year, try to help them as much as possible, but then to see them grow through the four years and all the different abilities and accolades that they would receive,” he remembered. “The students and their families have just been awesome to work with. The staff at Alton High School — there's none better. Alton High School is such a great place.”

He spent 31 years of his career based in the high school until he was named Director of Student Services two years ago and transitioned to the district office. In this role, he oversees the custodial staff, bussing, and the cafeterias.

As he prepares to retire, Bellm is looking forward to golfing and traveling. He noted that he has “lifelong friends” in the district, including a few who are also retiring this year, and he is eager to spend more time with them.

It’s been an impressive career. Reflecting on the last few decades, Bellm is proud of the work he has done and the relationships he built with students and community members. He is excited for the next steps, but forever grateful for the time he spent in Alton.

“Thirty-three years later, I'm still in the Alton district, and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “I just can't say enough about the students and families of Alton High School and the entire community, how great it's been to me and how important it was in my life.”

This Featured Article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

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