The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the 2026 Illinois Report Card, which demonstrates some exciting results for Mattoon CUSD #2 schools.
Approaching Exemplary Status for Arland D. Williams Jr. Elementary
Mattoon CUSD #2 is proud to announce that Arland D. Williams Jr. Elementary School is designated as “Approaching Exemplary” for the 2026 Illinois Report Card. Varying factors have contributed to this achievement, including exemplary ratings for both English Learner progress and climate survey results, approaching exemplary attendance, and commendable proficiency and growth in both English Language Arts and Math.
Commendable Designations for the Remaining Three School Sites - Third Consecutive Year
For the third consecutive year, all other Mattoon CUSD #2 schools earned a Commendable Rating from the Illinois State Board of Education, thanks to aligned improvement efforts from the district, building, department, teacher, and student levels.
“Our district’s continued success reflects the shared commitment of our students, staff, and families,” shares Board President Dale Righter. “This year, we are placing an even greater emphasis on engaging families as partners in their child’s learning. By strengthening the connection between home and school, we can build upon our progress and create even greater opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and succeed.”
The 2026 Illinois Report Card - available at mcusd2.org/ILreportcard - is a snapshot of school performance data from the 2025-26 school year. The state’s rating for all schools is based on core indicators - academic growth, academic proficiency, and graduation rate - as well as elevating indicators - EL progress, attendance, and climate survey results.
Ongoing Commitment to Growth and Improvement
Every building earned a Commendable rating for student growth. This is an area the district continues to focus on. The sustainability of student growth will naturally fuel proficiency over time. The district not only exhibited continued growth in academics, but also reduced Chronic Absenteeism and Chronic Truancy, while driving up graduation rates.
“The Illinois Report Card provides an opportunity for celebration, reflection, and actionable steps for the future of our district,” shares Assistant Superintendent Morgan Wilhoit. “We would like to recognize the dedication and commitment that all staff members at Mattoon exhibit on a daily basis. Much time and effort is devoted to identifying where each individual student has areas to improve, as well as where they thrive - ensuring we are making a difference one student at a time.”
While the district celebrates the designations from the state, they are committed to continued growth. Improvement efforts for the 2025-2026 school year began in May of 2026 with analysis of data and established targets for improvement, with goals already on display at each campus. All buildings, departments, teachers, and students have targeted strategies for increasing family partnerships to further the impact of academic efforts, attendance initiatives, and overall improved educational experiences for students and families.
“Mattoon CUSD #2 is still very much committed to driving improvements in all areas of the Illinois Report Card for the future - a goal only achievable through strong partnerships with families, community partners, and all stakeholders,” said Wilhoit.
To view the entire Mattoon CUSD #2 performance data for the 2025-26 school year, visit Illinoisreportcard.com. For more information on how to understand the Mattoon CUSD #2 Report card results, please reach out to Morgan Wilhoit, Assistant Superintendent for the district, at morganwilhoit@mcusd2.com.
About the Illinois Report Card
IllinoisReportCard.com is the state’s official source for information about public schools across Illinois. The information on the webpage helps individuals act as informed partners in the education of children. Families, researchers, policy makers, and community members can use the site to find school data, including academic performance, school environment, educators, students, and highlights provided by principals.