Urbana School District #116 Human Resources

Behind every successful school year is a team of remarkable people. 🧡 From the classroom to the front office, every role at USD #116 helps shape the future of our Urbana community.

As we gear up for a fantastic new year ahead, we’re expanding our family. If you want to work in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and heart, we want you here.

Come grow with us this school year! Explore open positions and apply today at https://usd116.schoolspring.com/

Off the Clock: Honoring a Journey of Dedication and Success.
Bridget Maloney's Next Chapter Starts Now!

Celebrating an incredible 33 years of service with USD #116, Bridget will never forget exactly how her journey began! Her absolute favorite memory is the whirlwind day she was hired—just an hour and a half before she was expected to step up and run a major parent meeting the very night before the school year started. Talk about hitting the ground running!

Bridget’s favorite part of her work comes down to purpose. The aspect of her job she will miss the most is the daily opportunity to make a worthwhile difference while working in a deeply ethical environment.

Bridget knows that a calm, organized environment is key to a successful school year. Her ultimate advice for new staff members starting out is to beat the August rush and begin organizing your classroom or workspace early in July.

Bridget’s retirement goal is all about slowing down! Her very first plan for her official day of retirement is to enjoy a completely open schedule, with the hope of actually feeling bored for a change.

Retirement is the perfect fabric for new projects! Bridget is incredibly excited to spend her upcoming free time pursuing her love for sewing.

We are profoundly grateful to Bridget for always bringing purpose and a high ethical standard to USD #116. Thank you for everything you have contributed to our school community, and we wish you a truly wonderful retirement filled with beautifully crafted sewing projects and endless relaxing afternoons!

Off the Clock: Honoring a Journey of Dedication and Success.
Donald Barbour's Next Chapter Starts Now!

Looking back on his 29 years of service, Donald’s favorite USD #116 memory is a true milestone moment for Urbana Middle School! He fondly remembers the amazing fall of 2002, when the UMS family was joyfully reunited under one roof after being separated for two years during building renovations.

Cultivating critical thinkers has always been a hallmark of Donald's approach. He reflects that what he will miss most about his daily routine is the brilliant curiosity of our students and those memorable moments when they would stop and ask a truly fantastic question.

Donald has a timeless, golden rule for anyone just starting out in education. Channeling a bit of classic wisdom, his top piece of advice for new teachers and staff is simple yet powerful: "This above all else: Keepeth thy Cool.

Retirement day one is all about good food and great memories for Donald! He plans to celebrate his first official morning by taking his wife out for a late breakfast at the Original Pancake House, throwing it back to the spot where he worked a brief stint in 1988.

Donald has the perfect blueprint for his upcoming free time! He is eager to dive into his fun reading list, check off some home improvement projects, and take some wonderful trips with his wife to explore historic Midwestern landmarks.

Your impact on USD #116 will not be forgotten, Donald. Thank you for your service to our school community, and may your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and everything you enjoy most!

Off the Clock: Honoring a Journey of Dedication and Success.
Cindy Ditchfield's Next Chapter Starts Now!

For Cindy, the best moments were all about making learning an adventure! One of her absolute favorite memories from 31 years at USD #116 was a day she truly brought her lessons to life. She recalls the joy of having her entire class dress up like pioneers, explore the outdoors, and gather around a "campfire" made of fake logs and a flashlight to pretend to cook over an open flame.

There is nothing quite like watching a student find their confidence, and that was Cindy's favorite part of the job. She reflects that she will deeply miss the rewarding process of guiding struggling readers, building up their self-assurance, and sharing in their excitement as they master essential life skills.

Starting out can feel overwhelming, but Cindy wants new teachers to know they don't have to carry it all alone. She encourages newcomers to actively seek out guidance from mentors and colleagues, extend grace to themselves, and embrace a lifelong journey of learning and personal growth.

After years of early mornings and busy schedules, Cindy is ready for a slow pace. Her big plans for day one of retirement include sleeping in, enjoying a peaceful morning, and celebrating the fact that her daily lunch-packing days are officially behind her.

Retirement is the perfect time for new creative journeys, and Cindy is ready to dive in! She is eagerly looking forward to traveling the world, exploring her love for cooking, and learning how to paint.

Cindy, thank you for inspiring a lifelong love of reading in so many of our students and for showing us all the power of endless learning; we wish you a truly beautiful retirement filled with spectacular travels, delicious meals, and the perfect palette of colors as you learn to paint!

Off the Clock: Honoring a Journey of Dedication and Success.
Beth Gatsche's Next Chapter Starts Now!

If you know, you know! When asked about her favorite memory from 19 years at USD #116, Beth points straight to an iconic, rhythmic moment that echoes through her years with the district. For her, nothing tops the sheer joy and school spirit tied to the legendary story and chant of: "GATSCHE, GATSCHE, GATSCHE!

It’s all about the people for Beth! The most rewarding piece of her journey, and the part she will miss the most as she steps into retirement, is the daily interactions with our incredible students and her fantastic colleagues.

Beth has a wonderful roadmap of encouragement for anyone just starting their journey in education. Her top advice for new teachers and staff is to hang in there: the first year is always the hardest, but it's the one you will always remember. By the second year, things start looking up—and by year three, you've absolutely got it!

After years of bustling classrooms, busy hallways, and energetic chants, Beth is looking forward to the ultimate luxury on day one of retirement. Her very first official plan? To simply sit in total, beautiful silence and enjoy the peace!

The future is looking beautifully bright for Beth! She is eagerly looking forward to a retirement filled with plenty of time in the sun, toes in the sand, and a schedule completely dedicated to enjoying life with her family and friends.

We are incredibly grateful for the wisdom, dedication, and care Beth has poured into our students and staff; as you master this brand-new retirement year, may it be your absolute best one yet, filled with laughter, loved ones, and plenty of beach days!

Off the Clock: Honoring a Journey of Dedication and Success.
Timothy S. Cook's Next Chapter Starts Now!

Four douzaine years brings a lifetime of impact. Looking back on his journey, Timothy reflects that his favorite memories are endless—spanning 42 years of wonderful moments, connections, and milestones that are truly too numerous to count.

Timothy’s role allowed him to leave a footprint everywhere! The most rewarding part of his job—and what he will miss most—is the daily variety of tackling diverse projects district-wide and the meaningful connections he built with staff along the way.

When it comes to maintaining a whole school district, no two days are ever the same. Timothy’s expert advice for new maintenance staff is to stay adaptable and always be ready to expect the unexpected.

What is first on Timothy’s retirement to-do list after 42 years on the job? Absolutely nothing! He is looking forward to kicking off day one with zero plans and total relaxation.

Timothy is looking forward to trading in his busy maintenance schedule for a slower, more intentional pace. In this next chapter, he is most excited to focus on the things that matter most: enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and spending plenty of quality time surrounded by his family and friends.

Timothy, thank you for being the quiet force behind our district's daily operations for 42 phenomenal years—your handiwork and helping hand can be felt in every corner of USD #116; we wish you a truly spectacular retirement filled with fresh air, quality time with loved ones, and the absolute luxury of having absolutely nothing to do.

Off the Clock: Honoring a Journey of Dedication and Success.
Maggie Kinnamon's Next Chapter Starts Now!

Bringing joy directly into the Urbana community is at the heart of Maggie’s favorite USD #116 memory. She loves looking back on the day she organized a surprise flash mob tour with her King School 4th graders, traveling by bus to seven different local spots to spread smiles through dance.

The most rewarding part of Maggie's journey has been watching a child's entire elementary school evolution from K-5. She is incredibly grateful for the growth she got to witness over 34 years, and she will deeply miss the daily doses of joy brought by student hugs and pretty drawings.

For anyone just beginning their journey in education, Maggie offers a beautiful guiding principle: make connection your priority. She advises new staff to take the time to build a personal bond with every student, so they always feel seen and cared for.

What is first on Maggie’s retirement agenda? Grandbaby duty! On day one, she is trading the classroom for the nursery and spending her morning babysitting her beautiful new granddaughter.

Maggie's next chapter is looking incredibly active and full of exploration! She is most excited to hit the trails for some hiking, spend time sewing, and get out on the water for some kayaking. Plus, she is gearing up for a major bucket-list adventure: taking a long solo road trip all the way to California to take in the beautiful sights and visit her family!

34 years of filling our halls with love and showcasing the beauty of true student connection has left a lasting impression on USD #116. Thank you for everything, Maggie—may your next chapter be your greatest adventure yet, packed with beautiful sights, family time, and the open road!