A southwestern Illinois school district is laying off three first-year teachers and nine teaching assistants because of uncertainty about state funding to the district.  The Belleville News-Democrat reports that the Belleville district’s board made the cuts during its meeting Monday.  Superintendent Jeff Dosier calls it “an unfortunate thing” but a necessary “precaution.”  For three years, Illinois public school districts haven’t gotten the full share of general state aid as promised to them by state law.  Assistant Superintendent Brian Mentzer says the state owes the district nearly $2.1 million.  He expects that figure to grow to $3.3 million by April 1^st.  Dosier estimates the layoffs and the expected retirements of seven teachers at the end of the school year should save the district $1 million.