We're excited to welcome the educators beginning new roles across the district for the 2026-27 school year. Their experience, dedication, and passion for education will help support our students and contribute to another successful year.
Chad Arnold – assistant superintendent of MCUSD2 (human resources & special education)
Mr. Arnold's educational journey began with an associate's degree in elementary education from Lake Land College in 1997. He went on to earn his bachelor's in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University in 2002, followed by a master's in educational leadership in 2006 and an educational specialist degree in 2022.
Arnold has been a dedicated member of the Mattoon school community for many years. He began his career with the district in 2002 as a teacher at Mattoon Middle School, where he taught science, social science and ELA. Over the years, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including assistant principal at MMS, assistant principal at WES, principal at Riddle Elementary, principal at Mattoon Middle School and, most recently, assistant superintendent (curriculum, instruction & programming).
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Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and showing support for students at events beyond the classroom.
Mr. Arnold shared, "After 24 years in the district and serving in several different roles, I'm looking forward to using that experience to help recruit, support, and develop great educators and staff while continuing to put students at the center of everything we do."
Dr. Morgan Wilhoit – assistant superintendent of MCUSD2 (curriculum, instruction & programming)
Dr. Wilhoit earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois before continuing her education at Eastern Illinois University, where she received a master's in curriculum & instruction and a second master's in educational leadership. She later earned both an educational specialist (Ed.S.) and Ph.D. in education administration from Indiana State University, along with a chief school business official endorsement.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wilhoit has served in a variety of leadership and instructional roles. She spent the past 10 years with Shiloh School District, where she taught second and fourth grade before serving as PK–12 curriculum director, principal and superintendent. Prior to her time at Shiloh, she taught fourth and fifth grade at Crestwood Elementary.
Outside of work, she enjoys running marathons, staying active, and spending time researching and writing about education. She and her husband, Nick, stay busy cheering on their three children, Millie, Mazy and Marshall, as they participate in sports and other activities.
Dr. Wilhoit shared, "The Mattoon School District and community as a whole has welcomed me with open arms and I could not be more grateful for that. I am looking forward to working with such an exceptional team to expand on the opportunities we provide for our students!"
Bryan West – transportation director
Mr. West graduated from North Clay High School in 1987 before attending Nashville Auto Diesel College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he studied automotive repair. He began his career working in local repair shops and Ford dealerships, serving in a variety of technician and service management roles, and also spent time working for Pepsi in Effingham.
In 1993, West transitioned into school transportation as a fleet maintenance foreman, beginning a career dedicated to serving students and schools. Since then, he has held transportation leadership positions, including serving as transportation director and leading the transportation department for Effingham schools. He now brings more than three decades of experience in school transportation to Mattoon.
Outside of work, West enjoys restoring antique farm tractors and equipment, a hobby he shares with his oldest son. He and his wife, Leslee, have been married for more than 30 years and have two sons, Cole and Max, as well as a granddaughter, Lucy. He also enjoys exploring small-town communities and visiting antique stores, and serves as an elder at his church.
West shared, "As the first and last school representatives a student sees each day, our team has a unique opportunity to make an impact. My goal is to build on the great foundation laid by the previous directors by encouraging my staff to grow, stretch their abilities, and continue making a difference in our students' lives every day."
Chris Brown – LIFT director
Mr. Brown began his educational journey at John A. Logan College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in computer-aided drafting and design. He went on to earn two Bachelor of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, one in industrial technology and another in workforce education and development. He later completed a Master of Science in educational leadership at Eastern Illinois University.
Brown has dedicated his career to preparing students for success through career and technical education. He spent 14 years as a career and technical education teacher at Mattoon High School before serving as a LIFT eMAC facilitator for the past four years.
In addition to his instructional and leadership roles, Brown previously served as a football coach, wrestling coach and Lighthouse coordinator at Mattoon High School. His dedication to students was recognized in 2025 when he received the Illinois State Board of Education Award of Excellence.
Brown shared, "I am excited about the opportunity to support LIFT's mission, helping shape the leaders of tomorrow through career exploration."
Chad Augspurger – dean of students at Mattoon High School and head football coach
Mr. Augspurger earned his bachelor's degree in education before beginning a career that has spanned more than 20 years as a secondary educator, instructional mentor and coach.
Throughout his career, Augspurger has taught a variety of social studies courses, including AP U.S. history, civics and current events. Most recently, he served at Gibson City–Melvin–Sibley High School, where he also led the varsity football program. As head coach, he guided the team to three consecutive IHSA Class 1A state quarterfinal appearances and previously helped the program capture back-to-back IHSA Class 2A state championships as an assistant coach.
Outside of school, Augspurger enjoys spending time with his wife, Molly, and their two children. The Augspurger family is excited to become part of the Mattoon community and the Greenwave family.
He shared, "I am honored to join the Mattoon School District. My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Greenwave family. I am committed to supporting student success, fostering a positive school culture, and leading with integrity."
Jarad Kimbro – principal at Williams Elementary School
Mr. Kimbro earned a Bachelor of Science in education with a focus in physical education in 2003 before completing a Master of Science in education in educational administration in 2013.
Kimbro has spent his entire educational career serving students in Mattoon. He began as a physical education teacher at Williams Elementary before teaching at Mattoon Middle School and Mattoon High School for more than a decade. Most recently, he served as dean of students at Mattoon High School before transitioning into his new role as principal of Williams Elementary School.
In addition to his work in the classroom and as an administrator, Kimbro has been a dedicated coach throughout his career, serving as head football coach, assistant football coach, assistant girls track coach and head boys track coach. Before beginning his career in education, he played collegiate football at Eastern Illinois University, where he was a member of back-to-back conference championship teams in 2001 and 2002.
Outside of school, Kimbro enjoys spending time with his wife, Courtney, and their three children, Jaylyn, Cale and Carson. His family shares a passion for education and athletics, and they stay busy supporting one another's academic and athletic pursuits.
He shared, "One of the most exciting aspects of this transition for me is the opportunity to impact students at a much earlier age than I was previously. The students and staff at Williams have shown tremendous growth over the past few years, and I look forward to facilitating continued growth in the future!"
