South Haven News

By Trista Metzinger and Jayden Woodfin

This year, USD 509 has had the pleasure of adding new team members for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Joey Nunley

Joey Nunley is the South Haven High School Science Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. He also has previous experience as an instructor in the army. Nunley says that a fellow instructor, who was a former teacher, inspired him to begin teaching.

Nunley has been teaching for four years and has recently taught at Eureka High School. He can teach everything from business to math, and, of course, science. Nunley has a goal of becoming a principal or superintendent. In his spare time, Nunley says he enjoys cycling and golf “when he’s good.” 

Noah Butler

South Haven High School is pleased to welcome Noah Butler as a long-term substitute teacher. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Butler has been substitute teaching for two years and is eager to gain more experience in the classroom.

When asked what excites him most about teaching, Butler shared that he values the opportunity to grow as an educator. His long-term goal is to become a full-time teacher. “I want to give back to the community,” he explained.

Butler noted that teaching at South Haven feels very different from what he’s experienced before. “It’s a lot smaller, but more personable,” he said. He enjoys being able to connect with students one-on-one, which is something he values in a school setting.

Inspired by his father, Butler approaches teaching with a fun and engaging style. He hopes to build strong relationships with students while helping them succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Outside of teaching, Butler enjoys thinking about his dream car, a G-Wagon, and looks forward to continuing to grow in his career. With his dedication to students and his passion for education, South Haven is excited to have him as part of the team this year.

Kathy Gann

Kathy Gann is the South Haven Math Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. She has taught for almost 30 years, teaching elementary all the way through college. She also has 13 different certifications and has won an award for writing from the Kansas Press Association.

Gann found her passion in teaching in college when she studied different backgrounds. Gann also says that her college professor, Dr. Rogers, told her to “put it all together and teach.”

Gann enjoys gardening, writing, and is a part-time preacher. She plans to go to different African villages to preach and do crafts with the locals at least once a year. 

Bill Ross

South Haven High School is excited to welcome Coach Bill Ross as the new physical education and weight training instructor. Ross is beginning his 30th year of teaching and coaching, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the South Haven community.

Originally from Ark City, Ross has taught in Sabetha and Derby, where he spent the past 23 years as both a wrestling coach and physical education teacher. After many years in a large school setting, Ross was ready to return to the atmosphere of a smaller school. “I’ve been in big schools for a long time, but I’ve taught in small schools too,” he said. “Now, I just want to chill.”

Ross is eager to get to know South Haven students and staff. “The kids here are amazing, respectful, well-behaved, and they enjoy school,” he shared. “It’s been awesome to see.”

He describes his teaching style as fun and inspiring. “I want students to see that I love what I’m doing,” he explained. “My goal is to inspire them.” His biggest inspirations have been his parents, his faith, and his former wrestling coach, Wayne Jackson.

Outside of school, Ross enjoys fishing, watching his daughter compete in sports, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also has a love for classic cars, with his dream car being a 1977 Ford Bronco.

Coach Ross’s passion for both teaching and coaching has been a lifelong goal. “I’ve always wanted to coach, and to be a coach, you’ve got to teach,” he said. With his experience and dedication, SH is proud to welcome him as part of the team.

Chelsea Metzinger

Chelsea Metzinger is the librarian at South Haven for the 2025-2026 school year. She has been subbing and coaching since 2008, doing so here in South Haven for two years. Metzinger has remodeled the library completely and is proud of her progress. She says she wants to include new themes, start library classes with elementary kids, and create a William Allen White tribune with the older kids.

When asked why Metzinger decided to take the job of librarian, she said, “I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to work with kids,” and that her mother inspired her by being her previous librarian at a different school. In her spare time, she is the Little Miss Wheelchair Kansas Coordinator and a First Reconciliation and Communion teacher at Sacred Heart.