By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN

dobrien@dailynews.net

Transition at the administrative level continues for Ellis USD 388, which is looking for a new superintendent for the third time since 2005.

Kyle Hayden, superintendent of the Ellis school district since 2006, resigned at a special meeting of the Board of Education last Wednesday and has accepted the position of assistant superintendent for Tonganoxie USD 464 about midway between Lawrence and Kansas City.

The primary reason for the move is so Hayden and his family can be closer to his son's doctor in the Kansas City area.

Gage Hayden, 4, was diagnosed with leukemia this spring. And the Haydens have been making weekly trips from Ellis to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City ever since.

Hayden and his wife, Katy, also have two daughters, Meron, 6, and Brette, 21 months.

In a letter to The Hays Daily News last week, Hayden explained that because of his son's ongoing treatment plan, it was in the best interest of his family to look for a job closer to the Kansas City area.

Hayden's departure ends a three-year whirlwind career for him in Ellis.

Ellis Superintendent Lyndell Barton hired Hayden, then just 33 years old, in 2005 to take over for long-time Ellis High School Principal Reggie Romine, who resigned after 21 years to take a job with the Kansas State Activities Association in Topeka.

Before Hayden even moved to Ellis, Barton died in a tractor accident in June.

Hayden decided to stay on board, and hit the ground running along with Bernie White, who was named interim superintendent for just a one-year period, the 2005-06 school year.

Hayden successfully sought the permanent superintendent position with intentions of beginning in July 2006.

But he got some quick on-the-job training when White fell ill that winter, prompting the school board to appoint Hayden to fill in as interim superintendent along with his principal duties.

Hayden then served as full-time superintendent the next two years, when the district made big strides in the field of technology.

Last fall, Ellis began a one-to-one laptop initiative for students in grades nine through 12 in the district. The district also has enough laptops on carts for every student in grades four through eight.

"Kyle was an excellent administrator, and we're going to miss him," said Marty Hollern, president of the Ellis school board. "We're happy for him in his new job and wish him the best."

Hayden will begin his new job July 1, and Hollern said the Ellis school district hopes to have Hayden's replacement by then.

Hollern said the district has advertised for the superintendent position in a "fast-track" search through the Kansas Association of School Boards.

He said he is confident the district will be able to move on once again.

"We have a great staff, and no matter what the situation, we do what's best for the kids," Hollern said. "I'm excited. I talked to the KASB this morning, and it sounds like we have had some good quality candidates show an interest in the position. I'm anxious to get to the interview process and get someone to fill Kyle's position."