Congratulations, Mason/Clark Middle School! 

We are proud to celebrate Mason/Clark Middle School for being named a 2025–2026 National Beta School of Merit!

This prestigious recognition honors schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, character, and service by offering National Beta to students across all eligible grade levels.

Mason/Clark’s achievement reflects the dedication of our Beta students, sponsor, teachers, and school leadership who continue to create opportunities for students to grow as scholars and future leaders.

Only 6,103 National Beta clubs across the country received this recognition this year — a wonderful accomplishment for our Mason/Clark community!

 Congratulations to our Beta students and everyone who supports their success. We are proud of you!

Keep leading. Keep serving. Keep striving for excellence!

#NationalBeta #betaSOM #MasonClarkMiddleSchool #StudentLeadership #AcademicExcellence 

You don’t need previous experience — paid training is provided! And with flexible scheduling and great benefits, it could be the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference right here in our community.

 Starting at $21/hour
 Weekly pay
 Paid training
 Flexible schedules
 Dependent care ride-along allowed
 Up to $3,000 sign-on bonus
 No experience necessary

Every day, school bus drivers do more than get students from Point A to Point B. They help our students arrive safely, start their day ready to learn, and get home to their families.

 Make a difference. Join the team. Drive a yellow bus!

 Apply today at driveAyellowbus.com

 

 

By maintaining a clean, respectful appearance, students cultivate the personal responsibility and college and career readiness essential for 21st-century success, ensuring a positive, focused, and inclusive school experience for everyone.

Students whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to discipline.

Please note: District administration reserves the right to adjust dress code or uniform expectations as needed to enhance the educational environment or ensure student safety.

 

 

Dear School District 189 Families,

As we began the school year, Mason/Clark Middle School experienced the resignations of its principal and one of its assistant principals.  We recognize that leadership transitions of this nature can create uncertainty, and we have worked quickly and thoughtfully to ensure stability and continuity for our students, staff, and families.  

 

We are pleased to share the following administrative assignments, which will take effect Monday, August 24, 2026.  These changes reflect the depth of leadership talent within our district and allow us to leverage the experience and strengths of our existing administrators and staff while ensuring continuity of leadership and school operations.  

Leadership Assignments

Darnell Spencer — Principal, Mason/Clark Middle School, Board Approved on August 18, 2026 

The District is pleased to announce that, following a comprehensive interview process, Mr. Darnell Spencer will now transition to principal of Mason/Clark Middle School .  A dedicated leader in District 189 for 28 years, Mr. Spencer most recently served as principal of Gordon Bush Alternative School.  His extensive career in the district includes five years as a special education teacher and 23 years in administrative roles at the secondary level.  He serves on the district’s alternative placement committee and has supported the state pilot for Competency Based Instruction. He brings great understanding of building consistent accountability systems, supporting sound student discipline, and leading instructional reform. 

George Mumphard — Interim Principal, Gordon Bush Alternative School

Mr. George Mumphard has been reassigned as the interim principal of Gordon Bush Alternative School, due to the vacancy created with Mr. Spencer’s transition to Mason-Clark.  An educator with seven years of service in District 189, Mr. Mumphard brings a strong track record of leadership to the role.  His career with the district includes three years as a biology teacher at Gordon Bush Alternative School. Most recently, he served as an assistant principal at East St. Louis Senior High School for four years, where he led the 10th-grade class, successfully boosted student achievement toward the Half-Cap requirement supporting higher graduation rates, and fostered deep connections across the school community.  

Dr. Kareem Mateen — Administrative Support, East Saint Louis Senior High School

Dr. Kareem Mateen will provide administrative support at East Saint Louis Senior High School, due to the transition of Mr. Mumphard to Gordon Bush.  He is a certified administrator, with over 26-years of experience. Dr. Mateen has served in multiple roles including elementary and middle school teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, summer and after-school program administrator, and student disciplinary hearing officer. He currently serves as the College and Career Guidance Counselor and as a key member of the District-wide Alternative Placement Committee.  His understanding of student development, academic pathways, and district operations will strengthen the high school’s leadership team.  He has great rapport with students and their families.  He  will be a valuable asset to the administrative team at East St. Louis Senior High School.  Dr. Mateen will continue to support the counseling staff; therefore there is no need to place someone in his current position. 

Leadership Continuity and Confidence

Each selected administrator has demonstrated leadership, accountability, reliability, and a sustained commitment to District 189 throughout their tenure.  Their collective instructional, student-support, and administrative experience positions them to provide immediate stability and effective oversight during this transition.

District leadership will work closely with the incoming administrators to support a smooth transition, maintain clear communication, and ensure that school operations and student services continue without disruption.  We are confident these assignments serve the best interests of our students, employees, families, and the broader District 189 community.

Sincerely,

Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent

 

The District will seek funding to support high-quality before-school, after-school, summer, and extended learning opportunities at Dunbar Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence, and Annette Officer Elementary School.

The proposed 21st CCLC programs will provide students with academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement opportunities designed to enhance student achievement and well-being beyond the regular school day. East St. Louis School District 189 remains committed to expanding access to meaningful learning experiences and values the continued partnership of our families and community as we pursue these opportunities for our students.

CELEBRATING OUR EXCELLENCE & PRIDE

As we begin a new year, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our students, staff, and community:

Academic Milestones & Achievements

• Fully Accredited Schools and District meeting rigorous international standards for educational excellence 

• Achieved Full Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education, reflecting excellence in meeting all state requirements for curriculum, safety, staffing, and district operations.

• 5 Commendable Schools recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

• 2 Gold Circle of Quality Preschools - the highest designation from ExceleRate Illinois

• 100% Graduation Rate for Career & Technical Education (CTE) students

• 99.6% of our seniors (Class of 2026) met all graduation requirements 

• 87% 9th Grade On-Track Rate - surpassing state averages for Black and Low-Income students

• $20+ Million in scholarships earned by the Class of 2026

• Early College: Last school year, 75 high school students earned college credits at SWIC, with 13 attending full-time

• $17+ Million invested directly into our CTE facility upgrade at East St. Louis Sr. High

• 90.1% Teacher Retention Rate - higher than the state average

Champions & Leaders

• 2026 State Champions: Boys Basketball (IHSA Class 3A) and Unified Track & Field (IHSA Class B)

• 2025 State Runners-Up: Football (IHSA Class 6A 2nd Place)

• 2026 Battle of Bands Winner: East St. Louis Marching Band (Drums Along the River Battle)

• Coach of the Year: Boys Basketball Head Coach Mark Chambers (IBCA)

• Student Leadership:

  • Derion Millender selected for the ISBE Student Advisory Council (1 of 21 statewide).

  • Carl Hill appointed to the IL Education & Career Success Network Council.

• National Recognition: Mason/Clark Student Council earned the National Gold Council of Excellence recognition.

• Service: Dunbar Elementary Beta Club ranked #5 in Illinois with 1,784 service hours.

• Teaching Excellence: Meonshai Houston (Officer Elementary) named a prestigious Golden Apple Finalist

• National Recognition: Tyonna Woodhouse (Avant Elementary) selected as Illinois nominee for the national 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award

• State Recognition: Four district staff honored as Those Who Excel by the Illinois State Board of Education

• America’s Healthiest Schools: Avant has been nationally recognized for the second year in a row as one of America’s Healthiest

• National Award: District earned the National Grand Prize Magna Award for Commitment to Indoor Air Quality in Schools

 

QUICK-START CHECKLIST FOR FAMILIES

Dress Code Essentials (Student Handbook Section 6.20)

• No Uniforms Required.

• Jeans/Pants: Must fit at the waist. Ripped/torn clothing exposing skin is not allowed unless worn over leggings.

• Tops & Skirts: Tank tops are not permitted. Skirt hems should reach the top of the knee.

Cell-Phone Free Environment

• Goal: Reduce distractions and build focus.

• Elementary: Phones brought to school are safely secured all day.

• Middle & High School: Yondr Pouches will continue to be used to store phones and smartwatches during campus hours.

Technology & Backpacks

• Chromebooks: Provided to all Grade 1–12 students.

  • Pick up during Orientation/Open House, or starting August 3 at the FACE Center (401 Katherine Dunham Place).

• Clear Backpacks Only: Students carrying backpacks must use clear backpacks. Personal pouches/purses must not exceed 5.5'' x 8.5''.

Transportation & Health

• Bus Routes: Shared by Monday, August 3. Need to update your address? Visit your school office with proof of residency immediately. (Bus inquiries: 618-646-3192).

• Health Requirements: Records/immunizations due by October 15 for Preschool, K, 6th, and 9th grade students. Mobile clinics are available through SIHF. To have your child seen at a school-based mobile clinic, a signed parent/guardian consent form is required.

REMINDER: Every Wednesday is an Early Release Day (dismissal is 1 hour earlier than usual). Regular, daily attendance is key to your student's success!

Made possible through a $17 million state grant secured through the leadership of Senator Chris Belt, the project represents a transformational investment in career pathways and the future of East St. Louis students.

“We are grateful to Senator Chris Belt for his leadership in securing this critical investment and for the confidence placed in our district and community,” said Superintendent Arthur R. Culver. “We take seriously our responsibility to be strong stewards of these resources and look forward to the lasting impact this project will have on our students and the future workforce of East St. Louis.”

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Expanding Opportunities for Students

The expansion will add approximately 32,500 square feet of modern learning space designed to support high-demand career pathways, including:

• Architecture and Construction, featuring Electrical and HVAC/Refrigeration programs
• Manufacturing and Pre-Engineering, including Machine Shop and Machine Tool Technology
• Welding, with a dedicated classroom and 20-station lab
• Audio/Visual Production, with studio, podcast, music, and control rooms
• Automotive Technology, including a six-bay automotive repair facility
• Administrative and support spaces

“This expansion builds on our existing, well-aligned CTE programming, strengthening connections to workforce needs and broadening meaningful career opportunities for our students,” said CTE Director Dekiethrich Lockett.

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A Celebration of Community and Student Voice

The groundbreaking ceremony, held March 23, 2026, brought together students, alumni, community leaders, higher education partners, and employers to celebrate this important investment.

Student and alumni speakers highlighted the powerful impact of CTE programs, sharing how hands-on learning experiences have shaped their educational journeys and future goals.

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Proven Results, Strong Foundation

The district’s commitment to Career and Technical Education is already delivering measurable success. For the Class of 2025, students enrolled in CTE programs achieved a 100 percent four-year graduation rate.

“Workforce development starts in our schools, and East St. Louis is already doing the work through strong Career and Technical Education programs,” said Senator Chris Belt. “This investment expands opportunities for students to gain the skills and resources needed for success in today’s economy.”

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More Than a Facility

The celebration also showcased the talent and pride of East St. Louis students, with performances by the Flyer Cheer Team and the East St. Louis Senior High School drumline. Guests also enjoyed refreshments prepared and served by CTE Culinary students.

“This expansion is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Superintendent Culver. “Our students thrive in Career and Technical Education, and they deserve facilities and resources that prepare them for real success. By providing hands-on learning and meaningful career pathways, we’re giving every student the opportunity to see a future for themselves — and achieve it.”

Board of Education President Timothy Lockett added, “Through the expansion and modernization of our CTE facilities, School District 189 is equipping students with the credentials, experiences, and pathways they need for success — through industry certifications, college credit, internships, and apprenticeships. At the same time, this work also plays a vital role in advancing long-term economic growth across East St. Louis.”

 

To qualify, students must meet rigorous GPA requirements and earn qualifying placement scores, demonstrating both academic preparation and the determination to succeed at the collegiate level.

This summer, eight sophomores and one junior will begin their college journey at SWIC. They will join four current juniors already enrolled in the program, bringing the total number of expected East St. Louis Senior High School students next year to be our highest in five years.

Enrollment by Class:

• Class of 2026: 3 students currently enrolled

• Class of 2027: 5 total students enrolled for next year (3 current and 2 new)

• Class of 2028: 8 newly qualified students

And the momentum continues — four additional students tested on March 16, with the potential to grow these numbers even further.

Removing Barriers. Expanding Opportunity.

Students say they are motivated by the academic challenge and the opportunity to push themselves beyond traditional high school coursework. But another powerful factor sets this program apart: School District 189 covers every cost.

Tuition. Fees. Books. Transportation. Meals.

All expenses are paid in full.

This means students can earn both their high school diploma and a full associate degree — completely free to their families. By the time their peers are beginning college, these students will already be halfway to a bachelor’s degree. After earning their associate degree, they can transfer to a four-year institution and complete their bachelor’s degree in as little as two additional years.

This is more than dual enrollment. It is transformation.

At East St. Louis Senior High School, students are not just preparing for the future — they are stepping into it early.

Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center and Dr. Katie Harper Wright Preschool early learning programs have once again earned the Gold Circle of Quality – the highest distinction awarded by ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development.

This recognition is not new to our schools; both Vivian Adams and Dr. Katie Harper Wright have maintained the Gold Circle of Quality designation across multiple years, demonstrating an enduring commitment to excellence in early learning.  Achieving this honor requires meeting rigorous statewide standards and successfully completing a comprehensive review and monitoring process.

To be recognized at this level reflects the high quality of teaching, supportive learning environments, strong family and community partnerships, staff expertise, and program leadership that define our early childhood programs.

Let's celebrate the outstanding staff and leaders of Vivian Adams and Dr. Katie Harper Wright, who continue to set the standard for early childhood education in our region.  Their work embodies our district’s theme: Anchored in Excellence.