Meeting Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER - Debbie Lowman, President
2. ROLL CALL - Nena Cox, Secretary
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. "REBELS IN THE SPOTLIGHT!"- Mr. Caleb Uselton and 7th Grade Social Studies
5. VISITORS AND CORRESPONDENCE (Audience Participation)
5.I. Student Council Report - Olivia Myers, President
5.II. Other
6. REPORTS
6.I. PFK Report - Gina Perry, President
6.II. Board President's Report - Debbie Lowman
6.III. Finance Summary Report - January 2026 (FY26) - Dr. Matt Gordon
6.IV. Principal/Athletic Director's Report - Nick Beard
6.V. Board Committee Reports - Dr. Matt Gordon
6.VI. Enrollment Report - Dr. Matt Gordon
6.VII. Illinois Youth Survey - 2026 School Report - Nick Beard and Dr. Matt Gordon
7. CONSENT AGENDA
7.I. Approve Minutes 
7.I.A. Approve Minutes - Regular Board of Education Meeting - January 26, 2026
7.II. Approve Treasurer's Reports Ending January 31, 2026
7.III. Approve Financial Report Ending January 31, 2026
7.IV. Approve Activity Fund Report Ending January 31, 2026
7.V. Approve Bills for February 2026 - Excluding Payment to Donnie Uselton - Snow Plowing Invoice #20260125
7.VI. Approve Amended School Calendar - 2025-2026 School Year - Emergency Day - January 26, 2026
8. ACTION ITEMS
8.I. Approve Payment - Donnie Uselton - Snow Plowing Invoice #20260125
8.II. Approve Financial Investment Plan via Purchase of 13-Week Treasury Bills
8.III. Approve Year-End Dates (8th Grade Graduation) - 2025-2026 School Year
8.IV. Approve Transportation Services Bid - Addendums 01, 02, and 03
8.V. Approve AIA Contract - J.A. Fritch & Sons, Inc. - RTU-3 Replacement
8.VI. Approve (Adopt) Resolution - Pekin Area School Districts - Mutual Aid - Emergency/Crisis Situations
8.VII. Approve 2nd Reading/Adoption - Policies - PRESS ISSUE #119 - June 2025 - with Specific Edits for Rankin for 7:300
1:10 School District Legal Status (updated)
1:20 District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements (updated)
1:30 School District Philosophy (reviewed)
2:10 School District Governance (reviewed)
2:80 Board Member Oath and Conduct (updated)
2:130 Board-Superintendent Relationship (updated)
2:240 Board Policy Development (reviewed)
3:30 Chain of Command (reviewed)
4:50 Payment Procedures (reviewed)
4:55 Use of Credit and Procurement Cards (reviewed)
4:180 Pandemic, Preparedness; Management; and Recovery
7:40 Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students (updated)
7:90 Release During School Hours (updated)
7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities (updated)
7:140 Search and Seizure (updated)
7:300 Extracurricular Athletics (updated and with specific edits for Rankin)
7:325 Student Fundraising Activities (updated)
8:80 Gifts to the District (updated)
8.VIII. Approve 2nd Reading/Adoption - Policies - PRESS ISSUE #120 - October 2025 - Excluding (6:220, 6:300, 6:310, 6:315, 6:320, and 7:315)
2:120 Board Member Development (updated)
2:150 Committees (updated)
2:270 Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited (updated)
3:10 Goals and Objectives (reviewed)
3:50 Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent (reviewed)
3:60 Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal (reviewed)
4:10 Fiscal and Business Management (updated)
4:30 Revenue and Investments (updated)
4:80 Accounting and Audits (updated)
4:110 Transportation (reviewed)
4:140 Waiver of Student Fees (updated)
4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs (reviewed)
4:160 Environment Quality of Building and Grounds (reviewed)
4:170 Safety (reviewed)
4:190 Targeted School Violence Prevention Program (updated)
5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment (updated)
5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited (reviewed)
5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting (updated)
5:100 Staff Development Program (updated)
5:120 Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest (reviewed)
5:185 Family and Medical Leave (reviewed)
5:190 Teacher Qualifications (reviewed)
5:200 Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal (updated)
5:220 Substitute Teachers (updated)
5:280 Duties and Qualifications (updated)
5:300 Schedule and Employment Year (updated)
6:20 School Year Calendar and Day (updated)
6:40 Curriculum Development (updated)
6:60 Curriculum Content (updated with specific edits for Rankin)
6:130 Program for the Gifted (updated)
6:135 Accelerated Placement Program (reviewed)
6:140 Education of Homeless Children (reviewed)
6:160 English Learners (updated)
6:210 Instructional Materials (reviewed)
6:235 Access to Electronic Networks (reviewed)
6:240 Field Trips (reviewed)
6:260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs (updated)
6:270 Guidance and Counseling Program (reviewed)
6:280 Grading and Promotion (reviewed)
7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities (updated)
7:70 Attendance and Truancy (updated)
7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities (reviewed)
7:140 Search and Seizure (updated)
7:150 Agency and Law Enforcement Requests (updated)
7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying Intimidation, and Harassment (updated)
7:190 Student Behavior (updated)
7:250 Student Support Services (reviewed)
7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention (updated)
7:310 Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools (updated)
8:30 Visitors and Conduct on School Property (updated)
8:100 Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies (reviewed)
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
9.I. District's Intercom, Bell, and Phone System
9.II. Solar Project - Update
9.III. Transportation - Update
9.IV. Illinois County Schools Facilities Sales Tax
9.V. Finance Committee Meeting - Proposed Meeting Date and Time - June 1, 2026 - 4:45 p.m. 
9.VI. Board of Education - Self-Evaluation with IASB - Determination of Date and Time
9.VII. Other
10. INFORMATION ITEMS
10.I. Congratulations to Mrs. Diane Wattles - Illinois State Board of Education - Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Program - Award of Special Recognition in the Category of Educational Service Personnel! 
10.II. Board of Education - Special Meeting - March 2, 2026 - 5:00 p.m. 
10.III. Caleb Uselton - Letter of Resignation - Assistant Baseball Coach
10.IV. Other
11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (2nd Session)
11.I. Other
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
12.I. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
12.II. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Collective Negotiating matters between the public body and its employees, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more class of employees.
12.III. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) Student disciplinary cases.
12.IV. 5 ILCS120/2(c)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.
12.V. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
13. ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION
13.I. Approve Executive Session Minutes - Regular Board Meeting - January 26, 2026
14. ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. 

Rankin School District #98 "Our School is a Great Place to Learn"

Mission: Empowering all students to reach their maximum potential and become productive, respectful, responsible, and well-rounded citizens.  

Vision: Building the foundation of the future by engaging youth through rigorous and diverse educational opportunities.
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
Meeting: February 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM - Regular School Board Meeting
Subject:
1. CALL TO ORDER - Debbie Lowman, President
Subject:
2. ROLL CALL - Nena Cox, Secretary
Subject:
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Subject:
4. "REBELS IN THE SPOTLIGHT!"- Mr. Caleb Uselton and 7th Grade Social Studies
Description:
Subject:
5. VISITORS AND CORRESPONDENCE (Audience Participation)
Subject:
5.I. Student Council Report - Olivia Myers, President
Subject:
5.II. Other
Subject:
6. REPORTS
Subject:
6.I. PFK Report - Gina Perry, President
Subject:
6.II. Board President's Report - Debbie Lowman
Subject:
6.III. Finance Summary Report - January 2026 (FY26) - Dr. Matt Gordon
Subject:
6.IV. Principal/Athletic Director's Report - Nick Beard
Subject:
6.V. Board Committee Reports - Dr. Matt Gordon
Subject:
6.VI. Enrollment Report - Dr. Matt Gordon
Subject:
6.VII. Illinois Youth Survey - 2026 School Report - Nick Beard and Dr. Matt Gordon
Subject:
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Subject:
7.I. Approve Minutes 
Subject:
7.I.A. Approve Minutes - Regular Board of Education Meeting - January 26, 2026
Subject:
7.II. Approve Treasurer's Reports Ending January 31, 2026
Subject:
7.III. Approve Financial Report Ending January 31, 2026
Subject:
7.IV. Approve Activity Fund Report Ending January 31, 2026
Subject:
7.V. Approve Bills for February 2026 - Excluding Payment to Donnie Uselton - Snow Plowing Invoice #20260125
Subject:
7.VI. Approve Amended School Calendar - 2025-2026 School Year - Emergency Day - January 26, 2026
Subject:
8. ACTION ITEMS
Subject:
8.I. Approve Payment - Donnie Uselton - Snow Plowing Invoice #20260125
Subject:
8.II. Approve Financial Investment Plan via Purchase of 13-Week Treasury Bills
Subject:
8.III. Approve Year-End Dates (8th Grade Graduation) - 2025-2026 School Year
Subject:
8.IV. Approve Transportation Services Bid - Addendums 01, 02, and 03
Subject:
8.V. Approve AIA Contract - J.A. Fritch & Sons, Inc. - RTU-3 Replacement
Subject:
8.VI. Approve (Adopt) Resolution - Pekin Area School Districts - Mutual Aid - Emergency/Crisis Situations
Subject:
8.VII. Approve 2nd Reading/Adoption - Policies - PRESS ISSUE #119 - June 2025 - with Specific Edits for Rankin for 7:300
1:10 School District Legal Status (updated)
1:20 District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements (updated)
1:30 School District Philosophy (reviewed)
2:10 School District Governance (reviewed)
2:80 Board Member Oath and Conduct (updated)
2:130 Board-Superintendent Relationship (updated)
2:240 Board Policy Development (reviewed)
3:30 Chain of Command (reviewed)
4:50 Payment Procedures (reviewed)
4:55 Use of Credit and Procurement Cards (reviewed)
4:180 Pandemic, Preparedness; Management; and Recovery
7:40 Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students (updated)
7:90 Release During School Hours (updated)
7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities (updated)
7:140 Search and Seizure (updated)
7:300 Extracurricular Athletics (updated and with specific edits for Rankin)
7:325 Student Fundraising Activities (updated)
8:80 Gifts to the District (updated)
Subject:
8.VIII. Approve 2nd Reading/Adoption - Policies - PRESS ISSUE #120 - October 2025 - Excluding (6:220, 6:300, 6:310, 6:315, 6:320, and 7:315)
2:120 Board Member Development (updated)
2:150 Committees (updated)
2:270 Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited (updated)
3:10 Goals and Objectives (reviewed)
3:50 Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent (reviewed)
3:60 Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal (reviewed)
4:10 Fiscal and Business Management (updated)
4:30 Revenue and Investments (updated)
4:80 Accounting and Audits (updated)
4:110 Transportation (reviewed)
4:140 Waiver of Student Fees (updated)
4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs (reviewed)
4:160 Environment Quality of Building and Grounds (reviewed)
4:170 Safety (reviewed)
4:190 Targeted School Violence Prevention Program (updated)
5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment (updated)
5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited (reviewed)
5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting (updated)
5:100 Staff Development Program (updated)
5:120 Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest (reviewed)
5:185 Family and Medical Leave (reviewed)
5:190 Teacher Qualifications (reviewed)
5:200 Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal (updated)
5:220 Substitute Teachers (updated)
5:280 Duties and Qualifications (updated)
5:300 Schedule and Employment Year (updated)
6:20 School Year Calendar and Day (updated)
6:40 Curriculum Development (updated)
6:60 Curriculum Content (updated with specific edits for Rankin)
6:130 Program for the Gifted (updated)
6:135 Accelerated Placement Program (reviewed)
6:140 Education of Homeless Children (reviewed)
6:160 English Learners (updated)
6:210 Instructional Materials (reviewed)
6:235 Access to Electronic Networks (reviewed)
6:240 Field Trips (reviewed)
6:260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs (updated)
6:270 Guidance and Counseling Program (reviewed)
6:280 Grading and Promotion (reviewed)
7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities (updated)
7:70 Attendance and Truancy (updated)
7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities (reviewed)
7:140 Search and Seizure (updated)
7:150 Agency and Law Enforcement Requests (updated)
7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying Intimidation, and Harassment (updated)
7:190 Student Behavior (updated)
7:250 Student Support Services (reviewed)
7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention (updated)
7:310 Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools (updated)
8:30 Visitors and Conduct on School Property (updated)
8:100 Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies (reviewed)
Subject:
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Subject:
9.I. District's Intercom, Bell, and Phone System
Subject:
9.II. Solar Project - Update
Subject:
9.III. Transportation - Update
Subject:
9.IV. Illinois County Schools Facilities Sales Tax
Subject:
9.V. Finance Committee Meeting - Proposed Meeting Date and Time - June 1, 2026 - 4:45 p.m. 
Subject:
9.VI. Board of Education - Self-Evaluation with IASB - Determination of Date and Time
Subject:
9.VII. Other
Subject:
10. INFORMATION ITEMS
Subject:
10.I. Congratulations to Mrs. Diane Wattles - Illinois State Board of Education - Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Program - Award of Special Recognition in the Category of Educational Service Personnel! 
Subject:
10.II. Board of Education - Special Meeting - March 2, 2026 - 5:00 p.m. 
Subject:
10.III. Caleb Uselton - Letter of Resignation - Assistant Baseball Coach
Subject:
10.IV. Other
Subject:
11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (2nd Session)
Subject:
11.I. Other
Subject:
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Subject:
12.I. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
Subject:
12.II. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Collective Negotiating matters between the public body and its employees, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more class of employees.
Subject:
12.III. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) Student disciplinary cases.
Subject:
12.IV. 5 ILCS120/2(c)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.
Subject:
12.V. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
Subject:
13. ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION
Subject:
13.I. Approve Executive Session Minutes - Regular Board Meeting - January 26, 2026
Subject:
14. ADJOURNMENT
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. 

Rankin School District #98 "Our School is a Great Place to Learn"

Mission: Empowering all students to reach their maximum potential and become productive, respectful, responsible, and well-rounded citizens.  

Vision: Building the foundation of the future by engaging youth through rigorous and diverse educational opportunities.

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