Rich Mertens received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from SIU-C and later received a Master of Science in Education Administration from SIU – E.  Mr. Mertens started his career in education in 1990 teaching mathematics at Belleville West.  He later served as mathematics department chair, assistant principal, and associate principal before finishing his career at Belleville West as principal for the past eleven years.  He retired in 2023 with 33.5 years of educational experience in the previously mentioned roles.  Mr. Mertens looks forward to impacting students in a positive way by sharing his passion for mathematics.  Mr. Mertens is grateful for the opportunity to finish his career in education the way he started, by teaching mathematics and making meaningful relationships with students.  He lives in Millstadt, IL, with his wife Jodi and son Austin.