The USD 454 Board of Education announces the selection of Dr. Darren Dennis as the new superintendent. Dr. Dennis will take the reins on July 1, 2026 after the retirement of Dr. Marcy Cassidy at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Dr. Darren Dennis, a Kansas native, grew up in Topeka and comes from a family of educators who instilled in him a deep respect for learning. He attended the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor’s degree in social studies education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a doctorate in educational administration.
Dr. Dennis has served in school districts across Kansas throughout his 36-year career in education. He began in Lansing USD 469 and later served, among other positions, as a high school principal in Burrton USD 369 and as assistant superintendent in Garden City USD 457. Most recently, he has served as Chief Academic Officer in Shawnee Mission USD 512.
He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 35 years and have three sons, ages 28 to 33. They enjoy long walks together and spending time with their two grandchildren in Garden City.
Dr. Darren Dennis, a Kansas native, grew up in Topeka and comes from a family of educators who instilled in him a deep respect for learning. He attended the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor’s degree in social studies education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a doctorate in educational administration.
Dr. Dennis has served in school districts across Kansas throughout his 36-year career in education. He began in Lansing USD 469 and later served, among other positions, as a high school principal in Burrton USD 369 and as assistant superintendent in Garden City USD 457. Most recently, he has served as Chief Academic Officer in Shawnee Mission USD 512.
He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 35 years and have three sons, ages 28 to 33. They enjoy long walks together and spending time with their two grandchildren in Garden City.
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 454
PROSPOSED AGENDA
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
ZOOM MEETING 12:00 PM
I. Roll Call
II. Employment – Superintendent (Action)
III. Employment – Principal (Action)
IV. Adjournment (Action)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 896 7146 2024
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PROSPOSED AGENDA
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
ZOOM MEETING 12:00 PM
I. Roll Call
II. Employment – Superintendent (Action)
III. Employment – Principal (Action)
IV. Adjournment (Action)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://washburn.zoom.us/j/89671462024?pwd=P7751YYBjMNUeuoG2KbIezcXbN9f0x.1&from=addon
Meeting ID: 896 7146 2024
Passcode: 548551---
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,89671462024#,,,,*548551# US (Houston)
+16694449171,,89671462024#,,,,*548551# US
USD 454 is pleased to announce that Mrs. Rhonda Frakes has been selected as a candidate to interview for the position of Superintendent.
Mrs. Frakes currently serves as High School Principal for USD 340 Jefferson West, where she oversees staff development, student achievement, and school improvement.
The interview is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Mrs. Frakes currently serves as High School Principal for USD 340 Jefferson West, where she oversees staff development, student achievement, and school improvement.
The interview is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
USD 454 is pleased to announce that Mr. Robert Reed has been selected as a candidate to interview for the position of Superintendent.
Mr. Reed currently serves as Superintendent/PreK-6 Principal for USD 227 Hodgeman County, where he oversees all district and PreK-6 building administrative duties.
The interview is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Mr. Reed currently serves as Superintendent/PreK-6 Principal for USD 227 Hodgeman County, where he oversees all district and PreK-6 building administrative duties.
The interview is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
USD 454 is pleased to announce that Dr. Darren Dennis has been selected as a candidate to interview for the position of Superintendent.
Dr. Dennis currently serves as Chief Academic Officer for USD 512 Shawnee Mission, where he oversees curriculum, instruction, and academic programs.
The interview is scheduled for 5:30 pm, Monday, April 20, 2026.
Dr. Dennis currently serves as Chief Academic Officer for USD 512 Shawnee Mission, where he oversees curriculum, instruction, and academic programs.
The interview is scheduled for 5:30 pm, Monday, April 20, 2026.
The USD 454 Board of Education is pleased to share that interviews for our next Superintendent will take place April 20–22. Each candidate will spend the day in our district on the day of their interview, meeting with students, staff, and community members.
To support a fair and consistent process, the names of the candidates will be announced the morning of their scheduled interview day.
We encourage our entire school community to join us in extending a warm Burlingame Bearcat welcome to each candidate. This is an important opportunity to showcase the pride, spirit, and strengths of our district as we work together to select our next leader.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in this important process.
To support a fair and consistent process, the names of the candidates will be announced the morning of their scheduled interview day.
We encourage our entire school community to join us in extending a warm Burlingame Bearcat welcome to each candidate. This is an important opportunity to showcase the pride, spirit, and strengths of our district as we work together to select our next leader.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in this important process.
The USD 454 Board of Education would like to invite you to participate in part of the superintendent search process being conducted by the Kansas Association of School Boards.. Parents and community members have an opportunity to provide input at a Characteristic Forum.
USD 454 will host the meeting on Wednesday, April 1st in the school library beginning at 5:00 pm. (Please enter the building through the Commons Area.) The time will be spent gathering insights and ideas about the desired traits and characteristics of our new superintendent. The session takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
The questions will focus on:
Current strengths of the district;
Challenges the district is facing;
Skills, traits, and qualities for the new superintendent.
The information provided from staff, parents, and community members will guide our school board as the district moves forward with the search.
Please plan on attending if possible. Your help with this important task of selecting a new superintendent is appreciated.
USD 454 will host the meeting on Wednesday, April 1st in the school library beginning at 5:00 pm. (Please enter the building through the Commons Area.) The time will be spent gathering insights and ideas about the desired traits and characteristics of our new superintendent. The session takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
The questions will focus on:
Current strengths of the district;
Challenges the district is facing;
Skills, traits, and qualities for the new superintendent.
The information provided from staff, parents, and community members will guide our school board as the district moves forward with the search.
Please plan on attending if possible. Your help with this important task of selecting a new superintendent is appreciated.
The Kansas Association of School Boards in coordination with the USD 454 Burlingame school district is conducting an online survey to seek input on desired characteristics of the new superintendent. The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete and can be accessed at the following link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/136629677. Please complete by March 30th.
***Calendar Change***
The JH Track Meet on Wednesday April 15th has been moved to Madison starting at 9:30am. It will no longer be held at ESU.
The JH Track Meet on Wednesday April 15th has been moved to Madison starting at 9:30am. It will no longer be held at ESU.
HS Boys Substate Basketball Game tomorrow, February 23rd, at Clifton Clyde will tipoff at 6:00PM.
Address: Bill Bechard Gymnasium
616 N. High Street, Clyde KS
Admission: $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for students. No passes will be accepted.
The game will be broadcasted on the NFHS network.
Address: Bill Bechard Gymnasium
616 N. High Street, Clyde KS
Admission: $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for students. No passes will be accepted.
The game will be broadcasted on the NFHS network.
HS Basketball Game this Friday , 2/20, @ Pomona vs West Franklin.
Start Time: 4:30pm
Schedule: New Gym: 1/2 JV Girls starting at 4:30pm, followed by Varsity Girls at 5:45pm, followed by Varsity Boys
Old Gym: JV Boys at 5:15
Admission: $6 for Adults, $4 for K-12 Students, family cap of $20
Games will NOT be streamed
Start Time: 4:30pm
Schedule: New Gym: 1/2 JV Girls starting at 4:30pm, followed by Varsity Girls at 5:45pm, followed by Varsity Boys
Old Gym: JV Boys at 5:15
Admission: $6 for Adults, $4 for K-12 Students, family cap of $20
Games will NOT be streamed
**Schedule Change for HS Basketball Game @ Lyndon this Friday 2/13**
There will be No JV girls game.
All games will now be in the main gym starting at 4:30pm.
JV Boys
followed by V Girls
followed by V Boys
There will be No JV girls game.
All games will now be in the main gym starting at 4:30pm.
JV Boys
followed by V Girls
followed by V Boys
Schedule for HS Basketball This Week
Tuesday HERE vs NEK starting at 5:00pm
HS Gym ½ JV Girls
followed by Varsity Girls
followed by Varsity Boys
Elem Gym
JV Boys starting after the JV girls ends
Thursday HERE vs West Elk starting at 5:00pm
Varsity Only- HS Gym V Girls ,followed by V Boys
Friday @ Lyndon starting at 4:30pm
JV boys
followed by Varsity Girls
followed by Varsity Boys
💜 Youth Dance Clinic – This Saturday! 💜
Our high school dance team is excited to host a Youth Dance Clinic on Saturday, 2/7, from 12–3 PM!
📌 Forms are due NO LATER than 2/4 to guarantee a dancer shirt.
⏰ If your student has another activity (such as basketball) and cannot arrive right at 12:00, please reach out—we’re happy to work with you. We want her there!
We can’t wait to dance with our future dancers! 💃✨
Our high school dance team is excited to host a Youth Dance Clinic on Saturday, 2/7, from 12–3 PM!
📌 Forms are due NO LATER than 2/4 to guarantee a dancer shirt.
⏰ If your student has another activity (such as basketball) and cannot arrive right at 12:00, please reach out—we’re happy to work with you. We want her there!
We can’t wait to dance with our future dancers! 💃✨
***Calendar Change***
The HS Basketball Game on Tuesday February 10th vs NEK will be played HERE at Burlingame starting at 5:00pm, not away.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a kid-free evening! 💕Let our Seniors entertain your kids while you enjoy a night out. Don’t forget to turn in your forms!
Schedule for tonight's HS Basketball HERE vs Waverly starting at 5:00pm.
All games will be played in the high school gym.
1/2 JV Girls
1/2 JV Boys
Varsity Girls
Varsity Boys
All games will be played in the high school gym.
1/2 JV Girls
1/2 JV Boys
Varsity Girls
Varsity Boys
Schedule for the HS Basketball Game(Winter Royalty) HERE vs Madison tomorrow January 16th.
HS Gym
½ JV Girls starting at 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Girls
Varsity Boys
Elem Gym
JV Boys starting appx 5:30 p.m.
Winter Royalty Ceremony will take place at halftime of the Boys Varsity game.
**Schedule Change for HS Basketball @ Lebo tonight**
There is no JV girls tonight due to our sickness. All games will be played in the main gym. JV Boys will start at 5:00pm.
There is no JV girls tonight due to our sickness. All games will be played in the main gym. JV Boys will start at 5:00pm.
Schedule for the HS Basketball Game @ Lebo tomorrow January 13th.
Big Gym-
½ JV Girls @ 5 p.m.
*Varsity Girls @ 5:30 p.m.
*Varsity Boys @ 7 p.m.
Little Gym-
JV Boys @ 5:30 p.m.
*All times other than start times are approximate
Big Gym-
½ JV Girls @ 5 p.m.
*Varsity Girls @ 5:30 p.m.
*Varsity Boys @ 7 p.m.
Little Gym-
JV Boys @ 5:30 p.m.
*All times other than start times are approximate