Dr. Sam H. McGowen
Superintendent



Welcome to Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19 and southwestern Illinois.  We are a " Community of Excellent Schools ."  This value statement drives our daily actions and our approach to leading and managing the district.  It serves our students well.  I have been privileged to be superintendent of our district since July 1, 1994.  
 
 

The administration and leadership group of District 19 enjoys a productive, educational partnership with parents/guardians, students and professional staff that benefits us all in our mission of providing a quality education to the over 3,100 students in the district.  Our staff also recognizes the vital work of our district couldn't be accomplished without solid support from all residents of the communities we serve.
 
Mascoutah area schools rank among the best in the region in meeting achievement goals and standards.  Over 95 percent of senior class students graduate each year with over 76 percent of our graduates attending a college or technical school after graduation.  
 
Our teachers are experienced, averaging nearly 15 years in the profession.  Our pupil-teacher ratio averages about 19 students and we enjoy a parental contact rate during the school year of 99.5 percent.  About 64 percent of our 181 teachers have completed Master's degrees in their field of study.
 
We are on the cutting edge of technology for staff and students with over 1,100 networked computers available for student and faculty use.  This superior technology and keen recognition of its daily role in our society helps prepare students for success in life and the global society they will inherit and lead.
 
Our school district finances are sound and effectively managed.  The district has been recognized for outstanding financial management the past six years by the Illinois State Board of Education.  We take seriously our stewardship of taxpayer funds dedicated to education and strive to produce value for the dollars paid by residents of the district.
 
We offer a well-rounded athletic program designed to enhance athletic opportunities for boys and girls in grades 6 thru 12.  In addition, a wide variety of extracurricular activities is available for students to explore academic and personal interests.  
 
We are a growing district - drawing more students from expanded missions at Scott Air Force Base that have increased the base population and from new housing growth occurring throughout our 104-square mile school district.  Over 59 percent of our student body is connected to the presence of Scott AFB in our district.
 
Plans are being prepared to build a new elementary school on the western boundary of our district off Greenmount Road in Shiloh in the near future.  It will be the fifth school in our district and join the campuses at Mascoutah Elementary, Scott Elementary, Mascoutah Middle School and Mascoutah High School.  Voters have also approved a proposal to build a new high school to replace our current high school.  Its completion will allow expanded enrollment to 1,200 high school students when it opens for the 2011-2012 school year with design and designated areas that will  allow for expansion of the facility to 1600 students when needed.
 
In today's world, parents and guardians have options when it comes to finding the best educational opportunities for their children.  I believe this is one more reason our district continues to grow as parents discover the myriad of advantages and possibilities for their child to excel that come from residing within our boundaries.  Come join us.  We are a " Community of Excellent Schools ."
 
I invite you to explore the school district website or contact any of our building principals to obtain additional information about our schools and the district.  You can contact me at 618-566-7414 or by e-mail at superintendent@mascoutah19.k12.il.us .