Education has always been a mirror of the communities it serves. Schools rise and change alongside the families, towns, and institutions that surround them. In places where tradition meets growth, the story of a district is rarely a straight line. Instead, it becomes a reflection of both heritage and progress, carried forward by the people who call that community home.
Mascoutah is one such place. Tucked in the heart of Illinois, it carries the character of a small rural town while sitting close to expanding suburban neighborhoods. Adding to this mix is the presence of Scott Air Force Base, which brings with it families from across the country and even the world. This blend of hometown roots, suburban energy, and global influence has shaped the Mascoutah community into something distinct. Over time, that character has given the local school district both challenges and opportunities unlike any other.
Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19 has grown steadily over the past decade, not only in size but also in reputation. Families have been drawn to its schools because of the district’s commitment to building partnerships among educators, parents, and community leaders. At the center of its work is a simple but powerful idea: engage every child, every day, in meaningful learning. Through Professional Learning Communities and collaborative teaching practices, the district has created a culture where students are supported by more than just individual classrooms. They are part of a system designed to lift them up together.
The results are measurable. Today, four of the district’s five schools hold “exemplary” status under Illinois’ rating system, placing them in the top ten percent statewide. The fifth is rated “commendable,” the next highest distinction. These outcomes reflect a district that honors its roots, embraces its diversity, and sees growth as a responsibility to its community.
A Curriculum Designed for Every Learner
At the heart of MSD 19 is a curriculum built to serve all learners, from Pre-K, serving nearly 240 students in that program alone, through high school graduation. The district has worked to ensure that its programs are both rich and viable, with a steady emphasis on collaboration in the classroom. This approach allows students to benefit from teachers who share strategies, align goals, and build on one another’s strengths.
The district’s academic offerings stretch across the full spectrum of student needs. Gifted learners have access to programs that challenge and extend their abilities, while students who require special education services are supported through carefully designed plans and resources. This balance reflects the district’s core belief that every child deserves the chance to engage in meaningful learning, no matter their starting point.
In recent years, MSD 19 has placed new energy into expanding Career and Technical Education as well as vocational programs. These pathways give students opportunities to explore practical skills and career options before graduation. Whether a student plans to continue to college, enter the workforce, or pursue technical training, or join the armed forces, the district works to ensure that relevant options are available.
Beyond academics, the district invests heavily in fine arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Music, theater, and visual arts are given the same attention as competitive sports, helping students discover talents and passions that extend beyond the classroom. Clubs and activities also provide outlets for leadership, teamwork, and creativity.
Leadership Rooted in People and Community
Strong school systems are rarely built on programs alone. At MSD 19, leadership understands that the heart of its success lies in its people. Teachers, staff, administrators, and board members form the foundation of a district that continues to grow and thrive. Each group plays a role in shaping an environment where students have the support and resources to reach their fullest potential.
Superintendent Dr. Dave Deets sees this as the defining strength of Mascoutah 19. He often points to the relationships that connect school, home, and community as the key to sustaining progress. “Mascoutah 19 is successful not just because of the strong programming and resources that we provide, but because of our people,” he explains. “We are blessed with amazing teachers, staff, administrators, and school board members who all work so hard to provide the best opportunities for our students to reach their fullest potential.”
This commitment to people shows up in every corner of the district. Teachers collaborate through Professional Learning Communities, ensuring that no child slips through the cracks. Administrators stay closely tied to families, building trust and open communication. Board members work to keep long-term goals aligned with the needs of the community. Together, they make MSD 19 more than just a collection of schools; it becomes a place where families feel connected and students know they belong.
Dr. Deets captures this spirit with optimism for the years ahead. “We also have such a strong relationship between school, home, and community that really maximizes our potential as a district,” he says. “It really is a special place to be, and I’m excited for what continues to lie ahead for Mascoutah CUSD 19.”
Growth That Defies Statewide Trends
Over the past decade, MSD 19 has experienced steady and meaningful growth in student enrollment. While many districts across Illinois have faced declining numbers, Mascoutah 19 has moved in the opposite direction.
In the spring of 2015, the district recorded an enrollment of 3,760 students. By the close of the 2024–25 school year, that number had risen to 4,357. The increase represents nearly 16 percent growth over ten years. This pattern stands out sharply when compared to statewide trends. During the same period, Illinois as a whole experienced an enrollment decrease of roughly 11 percent.
These numbers tell a story about more than just population shifts. They highlight the confidence that families place in the district and the draw of its schools as places where students can thrive. The growth also reflects the unique setting of Mascoutah, where small-town stability, suburban expansion, and the presence of Scott Air Force Base converge to create a dynamic and diverse student body. Families new to the community often find themselves welcomed into schools that mirror this diversity and embrace the values of inclusion and opportunity.
The rise in enrollment has also reinforced the district’s commitment to collaboration. As classrooms expand and student needs evolve, teachers and staff continue to rely on shared practices to ensure that no learner is left behind. In many ways, the increase in numbers has sharpened MSD 19’s focus on its mission: engaging every child, every day.
For a district that values both tradition and growth, the enrollment figures underscore a promising reality. MSD 19 is not only keeping pace with change but also setting an example of how schools can thrive when community, leadership, and families move forward together.
Supporting Every Learner, Every Day
MSD 19 has built its approach to student success on the understanding that no two learners are the same. Differences in learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds require schools to move beyond a single method of instruction. For the school district, the answer has been to embrace collaboration at every level.
Now in its fifth full year as a Professional Learning Team district, MSD 19 has made shared practice the centerpiece of its work. Teachers and staff meet regularly in collaborative groups, reviewing student progress, identifying needs, and designing strategies that fit the learner rather than forcing the learner to fit the lesson. This system allows educators to respond quickly and consistently, ensuring that each child is engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
The strength of these efforts is amplified by the district’s Board of Education and its community partners. Together, they provide the resources needed to make individualized support possible. This includes interventions tailored to specific student needs, ongoing professional development for staff, and access to instructional coaching that sharpens classroom practice. By investing not only in students but also in the growth of teachers, the district creates a cycle where everyone benefits.
These strategies help ensure that MSD 19 remains a place where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. Students from a wide range of backgrounds find themselves in classrooms that are prepared to meet them where they are. Teachers, in turn, are supported by a network that values innovation and shared responsibility. The result is a district where every child is given the opportunity to thrive, and every educator is equipped to help make that possible.
Enrichment Beyond the Classroom
MSD 19 believes that learning does not stop when the last bell rings. The district encourages every student to join a group, club, or team, knowing that these experiences are just as important as academics in shaping a young person’s development. Being part of an activity helps students form friendships, build confidence, and discover new interests, all of which enrich their school experience in lasting ways.
Opportunities are plentiful across all grade levels, with a special focus at the middle and high school levels. Mascoutah 19 works to ensure that there is something for everyone, from competitive athletics to clubs that support a wide range of hobbies and causes. The district also places a strong emphasis on the arts, creating spaces for students to explore creativity and performance.
Success in these areas has become a point of pride for the community. Athletic programs have built reputations for both achievement and teamwork. At the same time, the fine arts programs have flourished. Band, chorus, and theater are not simply extracurricular options; they are award-winning programs that bring recognition to the district and joy to audiences. These achievements show how students are encouraged to reach for excellence in every field, not just in the classroom.
The philosophy behind these offerings is simple but powerful: when students feel connected to their school through activities they care about, they thrive. MSD 19’s commitment to enrichment ensures that each child has the chance to find their place, whether on the stage, on the field, or in a club that sparks a lifelong passion.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
MSD 19 views the future not as a challenge to manage but as an opportunity to build on what has already been achieved. The district plans to sustain the strength of its academic programming while expanding the layers of support that help students grow as whole individuals.
A central focus for the years ahead is the continued development of social-emotional and behavioral supports. Leadership recognizes that strong academics alone are not enough. Students need tools to navigate stress, build resilience, and foster healthy relationships. By strengthening these supports, the district aims to create schools where students feel secure, connected, and ready to learn.
The approach is intentionally proactive. Rather than waiting to respond when challenges arise, MSD 19 is working to put systems in place that anticipate student needs. This includes training staff to recognize early signs, equipping classrooms with resources for intervention, and maintaining open lines of communication with families. The goal is to create an environment where every child has a network of support around them, both academically and emotionally.
At the same time, the district remains committed to maintaining excellence in its core programming. By weaving together strong academics with social-emotional learning and behavioral health, MSD 19 is shaping an approach that reflects the realities of today’s students. It is not simply about preparing them for tests or graduation. It is about preparing them for life.
With a vision rooted in both achievement and care, MSD 19 continues to stand out as a district that knows success comes from nurturing the whole child. The future promises more than growth in numbers. It promises a deeper investment in students as learners, leaders, and individuals ready to make their mark.
Quote
“Mascoutah 19 is successful not just because of the strong programming and resources that we provide, but because of our people.”
Also Read: The 10 Most Admired School Districts
