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
Sheila Wendling was named Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services in July 2017. She joined Newton USD 373 as Director of Instructional Services in July of 2012. Prior to coming to Newton, she served as an elementary building principal for Augusta USD 402. Ms. Wendling holds two bachelor's degrees, in Elementary Education and Business Education, from Ft. Hays State University and a master’s degree in Secondary Education, also from Ft. Hays. She has taught at the elementary and secondary levels in several Kansas communities and was an Office Technology instructor for Colby Community College.
Phone: 316.284.6203 | Contact Sheila Wendling
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