Our Story
Welcome to Effingham Community Unit School District 40.
Our mission is to provide every student with a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where they can achieve academic success, discover their strengths, and prepare for a successful future.
Serving approximately 127 square miles, Effingham Unit 40 has proudly educated generations of students since the consolidation of area schools on June 6, 1948. Today, our district offers a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school graduation, preparing students for college, careers, military service, and life beyond the classroom.
Our success is built upon a strong partnership among our dedicated employees, supportive families, local businesses, and the greater Effingham community. Together, we are committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities while maintaining a focus on student growth, innovation, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
District at a Glance
Approximately 2,170 students enrolled in seven schools
Little Hearts Early Childhood Center: 100 children
East Side Preschool: 107 preschool students
Early Learning Center (Kindergarten): 155 students
South Side School (Grades 1-2): 325 students
Central Grade School (Grades 3-5): 458 students
Effingham Junior High School (Grades 6-8): 480 students
Effingham High School (Grades 9-12): Approximately 644 students
Leadership
Effingham Unit 40 is governed by a seven-member Board of Education elected by the community. The Board establishes district policies, sets strategic direction, and works alongside district leadership to ensure students receive an outstanding education.
Our district is served by approximately 400 employees, including:
- 16 administrators
- 190 certified teachers
- 191 classified staff members, including bus drivers, bus chaperones, paraprofessionals, nurses, secretaries, custodians, maintenance personnel, food service employees, lunch supervisors, and other essential support staff.
Accountability and Transparency
Effingham Unit 40 is committed to being transparent and accountable to our students, families, staff, and taxpayers. Our District Dashboard provides an overview of district operations, finances, and student achievement, helping stakeholders understand how resources are invested to support student success.
Additional information, including the Illinois School Report Card and other accountability measures, is available on our Academic Performance page.
State-required assessments follows:
ACCESS: English Language Learner students only in Grades K-12
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR): All students in Grades 3-8
Illinois Science Assessment (ISA): All students in Grades 5, 8, 11
PSAT 8/9: All students in Grade 9
PSAT 10: All students in Grade 10
SAT: All students in Grade 11
DLM: Alternative Assessment given to a very small number of students with disabilities in Grades 3-11
National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP):
Physical Fitness Assessment: All students in Grades 3-12
Mission Statement: Engage, Educate and Empower the Heartbeat of our community
Slogan: Engage, Educate, Empower; Effingham
Vision: To ignite and nurture passion, to develop talent, and to create successful lifelong learners
Core Values and Beliefs: In Effingham…
We value individual contributions, opinions, and beliefs to build trust for a successful team.
We respect individuals: their unique lives, passions, and talents.
We honor responsive and coordinated communication.
We celebrate the achievements and victories of all.
We value the respectful exchange of ideas and celebrate our diversity.
We believe the safety of all is crucial for effective learning.
We foster all to realize their potential and develop through personal growth.
Strategic Plan Goals
Facilities
Plan and centrally locate Pre-K – 5 facilities.
Make all Pre-K to 12 facilities state of the art learning centers.
Finance
Ensure that adequate financial resources are in place to achieve the mission, vision, and core values of the district.
Allocate finances for competitive compensation to attract and retain quality administrators, teachers, and staff.
Safety
Ensure a safe and secure physical learning environment for all students and staff.
Implement a process/system that provides social and emotional support available to both students and staff.
Communication
Implement a Unit 40 strategic marketing plan which includes a cohesive rebrand and highlights self-promotion.
Build a comprehensive and streamlined plan for internal and external communications
Achievement/Curriculum
Provide exploration opportunities from start to finish that allows for student choice and control.
Ensure challenging curriculum to open doors for all students.
Technology
To continually integrate the MOST current technology in all aspects of learning while constantly evaluating staffing needs.
The opportunity to have hands-on specialized technology.
