Community:

Nauvoo-Colusa District #325 is located in Hancock County in west-central Illinois bordering the Mississippi River. It is located about 50 miles west of Macomb and fifty miles north of Quincy. According to the School District Data Book Profile (as found on the Internet), there are 1063+ individuals living within the school district boundaries. The district encompasses 92.77 square miles. The small towns include Adrian, Colusa, Nauvoo, Niota, and Powellton. Total housing units in Nauvoo are 458. This rural community’s west boundary is the Mississippi River.

A majority of the working population travels to surrounding Illinois communities and neighboring state of Iowa for employment. According to a study based on the 2000 Census, the median family income is $39,519; median age is 42.9 years of age; and, 97.1% of the population is white. (See Appendix C for Copy of FactFinder from US Census).

Reviewing the historical information, the community was settled in 1800s by predominantly German and Swedish immigrants. Farming was the predominant occupation. In the 1960s Nauvoo Restoration, Incorporated began restoring many of the Mormon buildings and sites that had been destroyed following the Exodus. With the rebuilding of many period homes and businesses, Nauvoo became a tourist destination.

Beginning May 1, 2002 the newly constructed Nauvoo Temple was open to the public for viewing. Thousands of visitors came to Nauvoo daily to admire the workmanship of the Temple and to assuage their curiosity. After the formal dedication of the Temple, June 27, 2002 (the anniversary of the slaying of Joseph and Hyrum Smith) the number of visitors dropped considerably. The Temple is now open only to certain members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The community has many attributes. Parents support their schools through involvement in an elementary parent-teacher organization and junior high school booster clubs. Pride and hard work best describe community members. Although there are no major businesses, the town has attracted smaller businesses that work hard to help the school. Other government agencies work together toward building a better community for all.

School District:

Nauvoo-Colusa Community Unit District #325 (the District) was established as a result of the consolidation of the Nauvoo and Colusa school districts. The District provides services to approximately 300 students in the Nauvoo-Colusa and surrounding areas in western Hancock County. The District operates under a locally elected Board form of government consisting of seven members. A maximum of two members may be elected from any city, township or village of the District. All members are elected for four-year terms as described in the Illinois School Code. The School District provides education services as authorized by State statute and/or federal guidelines. Part of this description of the District was taken from the annual financial report provided by Dennis Koch P. C.

In 2008, the communities of Nauvoo-Colusa and Warsaw each deactivated part of their school. Nauvoo-Colusa now sends grades 9-12 students to Warsaw High School. Warsaw sends grades 7-8 students to Nauvoo-Colusa Junior High School. Both Boards of Education wanted to provide all students 21st Century Skills so that the students can compete in a global society. Nauvoo-Colusa Junior High School offers core classes plus a range of electives. Warsaw High School offers several classes plus dual credit for juniors and seniors.

Nauvoo - Colusa  Junior High School strives to provide a positive, secure environment where dedicated professionals encourage ALL  students to achieve their maximum potential.  ALL students are accepted as equal and are given  the opportunity to receive an education which fits their needs, and which will help them to find their places as productive citizens in a global society.   Academic and critical thinking skills are emphasized and life - long learning is encouraged for ALL students.

The Nauvoo-Colusa Community School District will provide the students with an enriched education that will allow Nauvoo-Colusa students to compete in an ever-changing global world. Improving student achievement is the highest priority.

We will provide the students with a safe, conducive learning environment with high academic expectations of all students. We will embrace innovative practices that are research-based and promote high levels of student achievement.

We will provide academic and extra-curricular activities that allow all students to participate.

We will provide technology rich classrooms that enhance active learning.

Our students will achieve positive social skills, which promote respect and responsibility to self, family and community, resulting in positive self esteem.