Halstead Middle School

05/26/2026

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

05/19/2026

PreK kiddos + the zoo = all the feels!

Part 1

05/18/2026

🚨🚨 8th GRADE PROMOTION TIME CHANGE 🚨🚨

Due to the forecasted severe weather this evening, we will be moving the start time of the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony to 6:00 p.m.

Students should report to the cafeteria by 5:45 p.m. Band and choir students should report to their respective rooms by 5:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the middle school office.

05/16/2026

https://app.smore.com/n/hyc4j

HMS Family News

05/16/2026

Summer camps and clinics!

05/16/2026

Last dance of the year! Saying Aloha to the school year!

05/14/2026

Track was on fire this year! Great job kids and coaches!

05/11/2026

Our 8th grade girls are CKL CHAMPS!! Great job ladies!!

05/11/2026

MS CKL Track Meet @ Hillsboro

10:00AM

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

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.