Bentley Primary School - USD 440

Bentley Primary School - USD 440 K-3 Primary School

USD 440 is excited to announce the hiring of Mr. Jared Kirkpatrick as the next Principal of Halstead High School for the...
06/09/2026

USD 440 is excited to announce the hiring of Mr. Jared Kirkpatrick as the next Principal of Halstead High School for the 2026–2027 school year.

Mr. Kirkpatrick currently serves as the Athletic Director and Middle School Principal in the Haven School District. He has served as an administrator in Haven for the past seven years, which includes valuable experience as a High School Principal. His background provides a strong foundation in instructional leadership, student achievement, and school operations.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Mr. Kirkpatrick to the Dragon Family. We look forward to the leadership, experience, and dedication he will bring to Halstead High School and the USD 440 community.

Welcome to Halstead, Mr. Kirkpatrick! Go Dragons!

Please join us in a come and go reception thanking Dr. Barry for his years of service to USD 440.
06/03/2026

Please join us in a come and go reception thanking Dr. Barry for his years of service to USD 440.

Summer Meals begin June 1. Due to construction, meals will be served from Sacred Heart Center, 414 Locust St, Halstead.
05/26/2026

Summer Meals begin June 1. Due to construction, meals will be served from Sacred Heart Center, 414 Locust St, Halstead.

PRESS RELEASEHALSTEAD, KS — The USD 440 Board of Education is elated to announce the appointment of Mr. Chad Baalman as ...
05/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE

HALSTEAD, KS — The USD 440 Board of Education is elated to announce the appointment of Mr. Chad Baalman as next Superintendent of Schools of Halstead-Bentley School District, effective July 1, 2026.

Dr. Ron Barry, current Superintendent, will continue in his role through June 30, 2026, ensuring a smooth and stable leadership transition.

Mr. Baalman currently serves as the Halstead High School Principal since 2021. Prior to his role in Halstead, Mr. Baalman served as the Assistant Principal at Liberal High School and a Science teacher at Valley Center High School. Mr. Baalman is married to Holly Baalman who serves as a kindergarten teacher at Bentley Primary School. They have three children in the district.

“USD 440 is a special district and community, and I am excited to continue serving in a new capacity as superintendent. I look forward to working alongside our staff, students, families and Board of Education to provide stability, strengthen relationships, and continue moving the district forward.”

“A proud member of our community and a dedicated leader at Halstead High School for 5 years,” stated Board President Zachary Mabry. “Mr. Baalman has earned the admiration of students, families and staff alike for his guidance, passionate commitment to excellence, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. This announcement fills us with immense pride and excitement – we know his motivation and proven leadership will inspire even greater success across our district. Welcome to the next chapter, Mr. Baalman!”

The Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Ron Barry for his leadership and dedication to USD 440 Halstead-Bentley Schools and for his support in ensuring a smooth transition.


USD 440 Halstead-Bentley Schools

521 W. 6th St. | Halstead, KS 67056 | (316) 835-2641 | www.usd440.com

Board to Interview Fourth Superintendent CandidateDr. Janet Doud will be interviewing for the position of Superintendent...
05/08/2026

Board to Interview Fourth Superintendent Candidate

Dr. Janet Doud will be interviewing for the position of Superintendent of Schools with the Board of Education on Friday May 8, 2026. Doud is the fourth of four candidate that USD 440 Halstead/Bentley Board of Education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.

Janet Doud currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent of Augusta Public Schools. She is in her 4th year in that position. Previously, Doud served as a Building Principal for 2 years.

May Menus!
05/07/2026

May Menus!

Board to Interview Third Superintendent CandidateChad Baalman will be interviewing for the position of Superintendent of...
05/07/2026

Board to Interview Third Superintendent Candidate

Chad Baalman will be interviewing for the position of Superintendent of Schools with the Board of Education on Thursday May 7, 2026. Baalman is the third of four candidates that USD 440 Halstead/Bentley Board of Education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.

Chad Baalman currently serves as a Halstead High School Principal. He is in his 5th year in that position. Previously, Baalman served as an Associate Principal for 3 years.

05/06/2026

🍕🎉 Happy Education Appreciation Week! 🎉🍕
This week, we’re serving up a slice of gratitude for the amazing people who make our schools so special! 💛
Just like a great pizza, it takes everyone to make it perfect:
🍎 Teachers who bring the flavor of learning
🚌 Bus Drivers who keep everything running smoothly
🧹 Custodians who create a clean, welcoming space
📋 Office teams who hold it all together
🍳 Kitchen staff who keep our students fueled and ready to learn
🔧 Maintenance teams who keep everything safe, working, and running strong
🤝 Paraprofessionals who provide extra support, encouragement, and care—helping every student succeed one slice at a time
Each of you is an essential topping—and together, you create something truly incredible! 🙌
Thank you for going the extra mile, day after day. Your hard work, care, and dedication do not go unnoticed—you’re the perfect recipe for student success! 🍕
👏 Let’s give a big, “cheesy” thank you to our education staff this week!

Board to Interview Second Superintendent CandidateBrandon Simmelink will be interviewing for the position of Superintend...
05/05/2026

Board to Interview Second Superintendent Candidate

Brandon Simmelink will be interviewing for the position of Superintendent of Schools with the Board of Education on Tuesday May 5, 2026. Simmelink is the second of four candidates that USD 440 Halstead/Bentley Board of Education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.

Brandon Simmelink currently serves as a Principal in USD 373 Newton. He is in his 4th year in that position. Previously, Simmelink served as a McPherson Middle School Principal for 6 years.

Board to Interview First Superintendent CandidateTodd Wiedemann will be interviewing for the position of superintendent ...
05/04/2026

Board to Interview First Superintendent Candidate

Todd Wiedemann will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the board of education on Monday May 4, 2026. Wiedemann is the first of four candidates that USD 440 Halstead/Bentley board of education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.

Todd Wiedemann currently serves as Director of the Kansas MTSS and Alignment Project. He is in his 17th year in that position. Previously, Wiedemann served in a Secondary School Leadership role for 13 years.

Address

212 N Phelps Avenue
Bentley, KS
67016

Telephone

+13168353000

Website

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