Tucked in the heart of Cumberland County, Illinois, a network of small towns shares a common thread: a commitment to learning that binds generations together. Families from Greenup, Toledo, Jewett, and nearby communities have long placed their trust in one school district. Cumberland Community Unit School District 77 came into being in 1948 when residents voted to consolidate Greenup and Toledo schools. Guided by board president Theodore Cutright and superintendent Leroy Baker, the district carried a name and number that honored Red Grange, the Galloping Ghost of Illinois football fame.
Building Skills, Knowledge, and Opportunity
Cumberland CUSD 77 offers students a strong academic foundation from kindergarten through graduation. Every student receives a Chromebook, ensuring access to digital learning tools. A newly hired curriculum director is aligning instruction across grade levels and strengthening MTSS interventions to support struggling learners while challenging advanced students. Literacy instruction emphasizes vocabulary, comprehension, and writing, while the math curriculum follows the 5E model to deepen understanding.
High school students have the opportunity to take several dual credit courses. All students benefit from experiencing adaptive technology and hands-on opportunities such as health occupations, agriculture, industrial arts, and the CEO entrepreneur program. LIFT gives students access to certifications, internships, and work-based experiences. Beyond academics, students excel in Scholastic Bowl, ACES, and ECO teams, earning state and national recognition. Athletics thrive as well, with football consistently reaching the playoffs. Together, these programs prepare learners for success well beyond the classroom.
Enrollment and Access
The school district serves roughly 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Admission is open to any student living within district boundaries, ensuring every child in the community has a place to learn. The district goes beyond academics to remove barriers for low-income families.
Initiatives include the Backpack Ministry food program, ‘The Shoe Tree’ providing shoes and socks, and church partnerships that supply school essentials. Sports camps, family engagement nights, and volunteer tutoring strengthen community involvement. Support through the McKinney-Vento Act helps students facing homelessness stay connected to their education.
Guiding with Vision and Heart
Superintendent Darrell Houchin leads Cumberland CUSD 77 with a focus on students’ growth beyond academics. In his first year at the district, he has quickly recognized the strong sense of care and support within the community. “Education is more than books and tests. It’s about the overall experience for each and every student to grow in their own unique way,” he says.
His vision centers on nurturing character, inspiring excellence, and preparing students for life with kindness, courage, and resilience. This mission is carried out daily through the dedication of teachers, staff, and community partners.
Building Relationships That Inspire Growth
Cumberland CUSD 77 embraces the power of relationships as the foundation for student success. Teachers and staff take pride in knowing their students and families, creating a sense of belonging that drives high attendance rates and genuine engagement. This commitment is paired with evidence-based strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
The district screens for dyslexia early and uses benchmark testing to identify language-based challenges, providing timely support. K–8 teachers receive training in scientifically backed instructional methods, ensuring every child, regardless of learning style or background, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
A Village Supporting Every Learner
The institute thrives because of the strong network of community partners who rally behind its students. Organizations like 4-H, Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom, and Meyer Art inspire creativity and cultural exploration. The Neal Center YMCA provides after-school programs, while Healthy Kids from Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center promotes wellness.
The local paper, The Toledo Democrat, Neal Foundation, First Neighbor Bank, and area churches lend continued support to school activities. The district’s active FFA program operates its own greenhouse, teaching students agricultural skills and entrepreneurship as they grow and sell products for the community, blending learning with real-world impact.
A Campus Alive with Opportunity
Student life at Cumberland CUSD 77 is vibrant and full of possibilities. With nearly 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, the district offers opportunities for every interest and passion. Students can join FFA, FBLA, Scholastic Bowl, or the Splinter Group woodworking club. Music and performing arts thrive through choir, band, art club, drama, and musical productions.
Academic clubs include math, history, and WYSE, while ECO and environmental groups encourage stewardship. Athletics are equally strong, featuring football, basketball, wrestling, and more with a recent state wrestling champion highlighting the school district’s commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
The Team Behind the Scenes
The district relies on a well-coordinated team to keep its schools running smoothly. At the core are the superintendent, three principals, a special education director, a Title I coordinator and curriculum director, a technology specialist, and a transportation director.
Each plays a direct role in supporting teachers and students. The district also depends on paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, cooks, and its nurse. These faculty members give much needed support to our students everyday. Their dedication creates an environment where classrooms stay focused on learning and students receive the support they need to succeed.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the center of the school district’s mission. The school board has formal policies that guide this work and fully supports faculty and staff in carrying it out. Teachers focus on providing every student with the tools and resources needed to succeed, understanding that each learner’s path may look different.
This approach ensures that students of all backgrounds feel valued and included in the school community. By combining strong policies with daily practice, CCUSD 77 creates an environment where every child can learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential.
Student Support Services
The institute invests deeply in guiding students through every stage of their growth. A dedicated counseling team, made up of school counselors and a social worker, focuses on academic planning, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness. They also provide behavioral support to ensure students stay on track.
Counselors regularly visit classrooms to teach collaboration skills and help students explore healthy ways to manage emotions. This proactive approach gives students the tools to face challenges with confidence and prepare for life beyond graduation, making support an integral part of the district’s learning experience.
Preparing Today for Tomorrow
Cumberland CUSD 77 looks ahead with a clear vision. Leaders are designing programs and pathways that match the pace of a changing world while honoring the unique goals of every student. The focus is on giving learners ownership of their education and the confidence to take their next step, whether that means college, a career, or military service.
The district’s mission is to graduate healthy, curious, and capable citizens who are ready to contribute to their communities. By planning with intention, CCUSD 77 ensures its students are prepared not just for school, but for life.
Quote
“Education is more than books and tests. It’s about the overall experience for each and every student to grow in their own unique way.”
Also Read: The 10 Most Admired School Districts
