Press Release - Mr. Nick Beard - New Principal/Athletic Director - 2025-2026

February 26, 2025

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April McLaughlin, Principal/Athletic Director, was recently hired as the new Principal of Neil A. Armstrong Elementary School beginning July 1, 2025.  Mrs. McLaughlin will be recognized for her steadfast leadership this spring. Superintendent Dr. Matt Gordon commented, “Rankin is very grateful for Mrs. McLaughlin’s leadership that will culminate at the end of this school year in eleven years of service to the District! We thank her and wish her the absolute best in her new position!  

Subsequently, the District recently completed a search for Rankin’s new    Principal/Athletic Director.  This led to the Rankin Board of Education hiring Nick Beard for the position beginning July 1, 2025.  Dr. Gordon explained, “As the search for the new Principal/Athletic Director concluded, it was clear that Mr. Beard was a great fit for Rankin and the top choice!  His natural enthusiasm for education and for working with students came through very clearly over the course of multiple interviews.”  In addition, Dr. Gordon stated,  “Mr. Beard’s success as a Special Education Teacher and Track and Field Coach at Beverly Manor Junior High School stood out.”  Mr. Beard earned a Master’s Degree in 2024 from Western Illinois University in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Beard commented about his new position, “Rankin is a school district that I have always heard positive things about.  My family and friends from Pekin have spoken very highly of the Rankin family.  I love that it is a smaller district because it allows me to build better relationships with the students and staff.” When asked about what he was most proud of thus far in his journey as an educator, he stated “I’m very proud of the relationships I have formed and students I have helped inspire along the way.  It has been a lot of work going back to school while coaching and being a full time dad.  I’m very thankful of the support my family has given me throughout this whole journey in order to help me reach this point in my career.”

Mrs. McLaughlin and Mr. Beard will be working together periodically on a few transition activities.  We look forward to finishing strong again this school year.  Please stay tuned for a future “Superintendent Shout Out Session”  featuring Mr. Beard!

Welcome to Rankin, Mr. Beard!