RANKIN SCHOOL DISTRICT #98

13716 5th Street

Pekin, IL  61554-9650

309‑346‑3182

FAX  309-346-7928

www.rankin98.org

***To email office: rankinoffice@rankin98.org

#1 4/14/26

JOB OPENING  

JOB OPENING:  2^nd Shift Lead Custodian - Full-Time (12-months)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 40-hour work week, typically, during the school year it is M-F 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. (30-minute duty free lunch); however, some flexibility may exist for the selected candidate to start as early as 2:00 p.m. or as late as possibly 5:00 p.m. depending on the scheduling fit with the selected candidate.  Typically, during the summer, it is 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (30-minute duty free lunch); however, some flexibility also exists with the schedule during the summer and it can be discussed with the selected candidate.  This includes split shift options and/or maintaining a shift that ends late evening.  Holiday, vacation, and leaves determined by Board Policy 5:330 for 12-month support staff. 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Send email as letter of interest, resume, and three (3) professional references to:

                                                  Ron Uselton, Director of Facilities  

                                                  ruselton@rankin98.org

                                                  *Candidates who apply will receive email receipt

INFORMATION: It’s anticipated that the beginning hourly rate range for this position will be ($15.60 - $17.45) with the final starting hourly rate to be negotiated with the selected candidate based on all factors involved including expertise, skill, and prior experience.  Medical insurance, dental insurance, and term life insurance benefit options exist. Optional employee funded vision insurance is available. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Don’t wait, apply today, immediate need exists, interviewing to begin as early as 4/20/26.

Rankin School District #98 is an equal opportunity employer    

#2 4/8/26

Rankin School District #98

JOB OPENING

JOB OPENING:  Junior High Social Studies Teacher - 2026-2027 School Year

QUALIFICATIONS:  Hold or obtain licensure or alternative/provisional licensure to teach Junior

                                       High Social Studies by August 11, 2026.   

APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply, send an email serving as the cover letter and then attach resume and a list of references to:

                                                         Nick Beard, Principal/Athletic Director

                                                         Rankin School District #98

                                                         nbeard@rankin98.org

*Candidates who apply will receive an email reply within 48 hours to serve as the receipt of the application.   Candidates who do not receive an email reply within 48 hours are encouraged to call 309-346-3182 to confirm email application was received. 

INFORMATION: Salary and Benefits can be found @ Rankin Association of Teachers Agreement  - Coaching job openings exist for next year and can be found @ Coaching Job Openings

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  By noon on April 22, 2026.  Interviews may start as early as April 15, 2026.                                                               

START DATE: August 11, 2026

Rankin School District #98 is an equal opportunity employer

#3 4/8/28

Rankin School District #98

JOB OPENING

JOB OPENING:  Assistant Boys Basketball Coach

APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply, send email as the cover letter and attach resume to:

                                                         Nick Beard, Principal/Athletic Director

                                                         Rankin School District #98

                                                         nbeard@rankin98.org

*Candidates who apply will receive an email reply within 48 hours to serve as the receipt of the application.   Candidates who do not receive an email reply within 48 hours are encouraged to call 309-346-3182 to confirm email application was received. 

INFORMATION: Salary and Benefits - Rankin Association of Teachers Agreement .

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Open until filled         

START DATE:  October 2026

Rankin School District #98 is an equal opportunity employer

#4 4/7/26

Rankin School District #98

JOB OPENING

JOB OPENING:  Head Softball Coach

APPLICATION PROCESS: Send email as the cover letter and attach resume to:

                                                         Nick Beard, Principal/Athletic Director

                                                         Rankin School District #98

                                                         nbeard@rankin98.org

*Candidates who apply will receive an email reply within 48 hours to serve as the receipt of the application.   Candidates who do not receive an email reply within 48 hours are encouraged to call 309-346-3182 to confirm email application was received. 

INFORMATION: Salary and Benefits - Rankin Association of Teachers Agreement .

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Open until filled         

START DATE: Late summer 2026

Rankin School District #98 is an equal opportunity employer

#5 2/19/26

Rankin School District #98

JOB OPENING

JOB OPENING:  Assistant Baseball Coach

APPLICATION PROCESS: Send email as the cover letter and attach resume to:

                                                         Nick Beard, Principal/Athletic Director

                                                         Rankin School District #98

                                                         nbeard@rankin98.org

*Candidates who apply will receive an email reply within 48 hours to serve as the receipt of the application.   Candidates who do not receive an email reply within 48 hours are encouraged to call 309-346-3182 to confirm email application was received. 

INFORMATION: Salary and Benefits - Rankin Association of Teachers Agreement .

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Open until filled         

START DATE: Late summer 2026

Rankin School District #98 is an equal opportunity employer

#6

Rankin School District #98

The District is looking for substitute staff.  If you have interest in substituting at Rankin in any capacity, please email the Rankin Office at rankinoffice@rankin98.org.

Thank you! 

#7 11/12/25

Rankin School District #98

JOB OPENING

JOB OPENING:  Speech and Language Pathologist (Part-Time or Full-Time) - 2026-2027 School Year

QUALIFICATIONS:  Professional SLP licensure or obtain licensure before August 10, 2026

APPLICATION PROCESS:  Send email as the cover letter and attach resume and references to:

                                                         Nick Beard, Principal/Athletic Director

                                                         Rankin School District #98

                                                         nbeard@rankin98.org

*Candidates who apply will receive email notification for receipt of application within 48 hours. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Rankin Association of Teachers Agreement -https://www.rankin98.org/vnews/display.v/ART/5d000345a4495

APPLY TODAY!

Rankin School District #98 is an equal opportunity employer

Mr. Nick Beard, Principal/Athletic Director, commented on 3rd Quarter Honor Roll, "We are incredibly proud of our Honor Roll students for their hard work and dedication this 3rd Quarter. Their commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed. Keep up the great work!

CONGRATULATIONS!  3rd Quarter Honor Roll - 2025-2026 School Year!

Honor Roll:

Adelyn Artman, Lauren Cline, Ayden Fornoff, Wesley Roripaugh, Declan Sandifar, Charles Wallace, and Aurora Whitten.

High Honor Roll:

Olivia Atkins, Nora Braker, Avery Cox, Tucker Doubet, Elise Flairty, Brantley France, Hunter Gardner, Averi Kennett, Brooke Kennett, Presley Kohl, Olivia Larkner, Evie Leichtenberg, Harper Leitze, Isla Martin, Sofia Matney, Tinley Mayeur, Alayna McCarty, Elliott Munter, Oliva Myers, Braxtyn Rassi, Sophia Rosenbohm, Emma Seidell, Jakob Toungett, Lukas Toungett, Jaxton Trumpy, Alyvia Valentine, Parker Washkowiak, Raylan Webb, Avery Weghorst, Becca Weidner, Brynn Williams, and Abbott Wolfe.

Rankin School District #98 - Year-End Dates (8^th Grade Graduation) - 2025-2026 School Year

April 15^th - Kindergarten Screening

May 7^th – Spring Concert

                K-4 – 6:00 p.m.

                5-8 bucket drums, choir, and band – 7:15 p.m.

May 12^th – Awards Day 

                K-5 at 9:00 a.m.

                JH at 1:00 p.m.

May 13^th – Sports Awards - 5:00 p.m.

May 14^th – (TBD - Possible Fun Day)

May 19^th – 4^th Quarter J.H. Rewards Trip – Peoria Chiefs Game -  10:00 a.m.

May 20^th – 8^th grade trip – Six Flags-  7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

May 21^st – Graduation Practice - 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

                   Graduation - 7:00 p.m.

May 26^th  – Field Day  

May 26^th  - Last day of student attendance - 2:15 p.m. dismissal (Pending no additional Emergency Days are utilized)

May 27^th  – No Students – Teacher’s Institute Day (Pending no additional Emergency Days are utilized)

Diane Wattles!

Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year

“Since 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education has sponsored the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to our state's public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.  Awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators (teachers 1-4 years), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams” (source ISBE).

Rankin is extremely proud to announce that Mrs. Diane Wattles, who was nominated by a colleague in education, received ISBE’s Award of Special Recognition in the category of Educational Service Personnel. Congratulations to Mrs. Wattles on this outstanding accomplishment!  In the spring of 2025, Mrs. Wattles was featured in the Staff Spotlight of The Rankin Review - volume 5 as her position and background were explained.  The article noted that Mrs. Wattles began at Rankin as a Substitute Paraprofessional, and after three years of substituting, she was hired as an RTI Paraprofessional.  Now, she is in her 9th year in her position as she is instrumental in helping students in math.   Dr. Matt Gordon, Superintendent, commented last spring on Mrs. Wattles’ success, “She is very knowledgeable about our math content, curriculum, and learning standards across the K-8 grade levels. She is an expert at providing the specific, individual support and guidance that each student needs to help them feel more comfortable and confident in their math skills.  Mrs. Wattles is a great asset to Rankin, as working with students in an individual or small group atmosphere can be instrumental in improving their foundation, which leads to greater future success.”  Also, in the featured article last spring, Mrs. Wattles commented about working at Rankin, “I love working as a Math/RTI Aide.  Assisting students to understand their math and gain confidence is rewarding.”  In addition, as part of the featured article, Mrs. Wattles was asked to describe our school as she stated, “Rankin has experienced and caring staff and a small teacher-to-student ratio, which helps the staff get to know the students and help them grow.”  

Rankin School District #98 officially congratulates Mrs. Wattles on earning this prestigious award of special recognition!  Please see attachments for additional information related to this press release!  Congratulations to Mrs. Wattles!

Please click here to access Rankin School District #98 - Data Dashboard

RANKIN PRESS RELEASE: ISBE ISSUES RANKIN “Top 10% - EXEMPLARY DESIGNATION" - 3^rd Year in a Row - 5^th Time in 6 Opportunities!

10/31/25

Dear Rankin Community,

A "RANKIN REVEAL" took place yesterday morning as our students and staff learned that Rankin received an “Exemplary Designation” on the 2025 Illinois Report Card!  This means Rankin was recognized in the Top 10% in Illinois (1 of the 376 schools out of 3,827 schools)! This is Rankin’s 3rd year in a row earning this designation and the 5th time out of the last 6 opportunities! Please feel free to check out the video highlights of the REVEAL as it occurred with the lights off and the red spotlights on! Yesterday's event also included speakers, Mr. Nick Beard, Principal/Athletic Director, and Olivia Myers, Student Council President, as they both congratulated EVERYONE on this tremendous accomplishment.  Please feel free to use this Report Card Link to access our “Exemplary Designation” and our entire 2025 report card.

Yesterday’s REVEAL was such an amazing time as it was very special to acknowledge and celebrate this major accomplishment.  We strived to communicate that the emphasis at Rankin continues to be that this accomplishment is the result of what EVERYONE does EVERY DAY as a TEAM!  It was noted that this is not just about having a few good days; rather, it’s about EVERYONE, EVERY DAY working as a TEAM, giving their best, and making good choices!

We will be holding an ice cream celebration for our students and staff at the end of the day on November 10th.  The TEAM at Rankin (students, staff, parents and families, Board of Education, and our community) is to be congratulated!  Without EVERYONE, EVERY DAY, the success we are experiencing would not be possible.  Rankin is very grateful for our awesome TEAM! GO REBELS!

Sincerely,

Dr. Matt Gordon, Superintendent