HALSTEAD, Kan. — Halstead High School has filled two key positions with hires from Reno County schools, naming Jared Kirkpatrick as its next principal and Dalton Luce as its new head wrestling coach.
Kirkpatrick will take over as Halstead High School principal for the 2026-27 school year after serving as the athletic director and middle school principal in the Haven school district.
Kirkpatrick has spent the past seven years as an administrator in Haven, including previous experience as a high school principal. USD 440 said his background provides experience in instructional leadership, student achievement and school operations.
Luce will take over the Halstead wrestling program after serving as an assistant wrestling and football coach at Hutchinson High School. Luce is also a Hutchinson High School graduate.
Halstead said Luce brings nearly a decade of high school wrestling coaching experience. During his time at Hutchinson, the Salthawks consistently finished among the top 10 teams at the state tournament, including a fourth-place finish this past winter. He also helped establish a middle school girls wrestling program in Hutchinson.