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USD 373 Leadership Team


 

  Superintendent of Schools

  Fred Van Ranken started as Superintendent of Schools for Newton USD 373 in July 2020. Mr. Van Ranken came to Newton from USD 240 Twin Valley, where he was the superintendent. Prior to that he was at Smoky Valley as the director of student learning from 2006-2016 and as a high school principal from 1999-2006. He was also a principal for 2 years at St. John Junior/Senior High School. Before becoming an administrator, Mr. Van Ranken worked in the Solomon school district for eight years, including 6 years as head coach of the football team and was also a teacher at Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High School in Salina for one year. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Biology from Hutchinson Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Administration, both from Kansas State University. He received his superintendent license through Friends University.

Phone: 316.284.6206 | Contact Mr. Fred Van Ranken


 

 Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services

 Joseph Sample joined USD 373 as Assistant Superintendent/Director of Instructional Services in the spring of 2024. Mr. Sample has served in the Superintendent role since 2017, first in USD 495 Fort Larned and most recently in USD 456 Marais des Cygnes Valley. Sample earned a Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education from Baker University, then a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University. He earned his District Leadership Licensure from Newman University in 2017 and is currently working on his Doctorate of Educational Leadership through Baker University. His primary role will be overseeing curriculum at all K-12 schools. 

Phone: 316.284.6203 | Contact Joseph Sample


Director, Communications

Carly Stavola joined USD 373 as Director of Communications in November of 2021. She was previously an anchor and reporter for KSNW-TV in Wichita and a reporter for KOAM-TV in Pittsburg, KS prior to that. She holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Media from Washburn University.  

Phone: 316.284.6222 | Contact Carly Stavola

 


Director, Human Resources & Business Services

Jane Nichols was named Director of Human Services in July 2017 and Director of Business Services in September of 2022. She has been with the district since September 2008. Ms. Nichols holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management degree from Friends University and a master's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Development from Pittsburg State University. 

Phone: 316.284.6212 | Contact Jane Nichols

 


Director, Technology Services

Brenda Thompson accepted the position of Director of Technology Services in July 2014. Prior to this she was the assistant principal at the Santa Fe 5-6 Center. She has been with Newton USD 373 since 1994 teaching fifth grade and then computer technology at the middle school level.  Ms. Lampman holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Emporia State University and two master’s degrees, in Instructional Design and Technology and Educational Leadership, also from Emporia State University.

Phone: 316.284.6251 | Contact Brenda Thompson

 


 

  Director, Special Education Services

  Reagan Seidl began serving as the Director of Special Education for the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative in July of 2015, following a year as the Assistant Director of the Cooperative.  Prior to her current position, Ms. Seidl worked as a School Psychologist for the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative with assignments within elementary, middle, and secondary schools.  Ms. Seidl earned her Bachelor of Science, Master in Science in School Psychology and Specialist in Education (School Psychology) all from Emporia State University. She earned her Education Leadership - District Level License from Wichita State University.
Phone: 316.284.6580 | Contact Reagan Seidl