Bentley Community Schools
Learn Today. Lead Tomorrow.
Dear Families,
Welcome to the start of a new school year! We are thrilled to have your children with us, and we are very happy to be able to provide transportation for our students.
To give you a glimpse into our daily operations, we are currently routing approximately 400 students across two different time frames (elementary and secondary) using three buses. Our ultimate goal is always to get your kids to and from school safely and in the shortest amount of time possible.
Creating these routes is a complex process. Every time a new student is added, adjustments must be made to the entire route. When designing these schedules, we have to carefully balance several variables, including:
Student Age: Providing safe, door-to-door service for our youngest learners (preschoolers and kindergartners).
Location Safety: Evaluating whether a pickup is on a busy main road (like Belsay or Lapeer) or a quieter secondary road (like Rinn or Roberta).
Medical Accommodations: Ensuring strict adherence to accommodations for students with medical needs.
Our biggest challenge in creating solid, consistent routes at the beginning of the year comes from families registering their children after our August 18 deadline. Because route creation is a highly connected and time-consuming process, every late addition impacts the pickup and drop-off times for everyone else.
Because of these ongoing adjustments, our final routes are not quite ready to be sent out today. However, you will receive your child's specific route details via email by Sunday afternoon.
We kindly ask for your patience, grace, and understanding as we smooth out our routes over the next 10 days or so. It is very much a process, but things will settle into a predictable routine soon.
Thank you for your partnership and understanding as we work to get everyone to school safely.
Sincerely,
Todd Schultz, Operations Director
Attention Bentley Community,
Please see the form below for t-shirt orders for Homecoming 2026!
You can also pick up a physical copy at any of the Main Offices in the district.
Thank you for supporting our students!
-Mrs. Gaby-
Attention Bentley Community:
Please see the flyer below for information on 'Senior Sunrise Class of 2027'
Thank you!
-Ms. McKay-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Dickerson-
Please see the flyer below for information on 'Senior Sunrise Class of 2027'
Thank you!
-Ms. McKay-
-Mr. Edmonds-
-Mr. Dickerson-
WELCOME BACK, BULLDOGS!
The wait is almost over, and we are excited to welcome our students and families back to Bentley Community Schools for another incredible year!
There is still time to Enroll and Register.
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/enrollment-and-registration-information
Schools of Choice Deadline: August 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/schools-of-choice
Mark your calendars with these dates to get ready for the start of school.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL KEY DATES
Get ready!
Wednesday, Aug 19: Open House | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Monday, Aug 24: First Day of School (K-12) — Half Day!
Thursday, Aug 27: Last day to register for School of Choice
Thursday, Aug 27: Bentley Little Bulldogs Learning Center (Preschool) Open House
Monday, Aug 31: First Day of Preschool
UPCOMING 4-DAY WEEK SCHEDULE
Enjoy extra time to recharge during our initial start-of-year schedule!
Week 1: Monday, Aug 24 – Thursday, Aug 27
Week 2: Monday, Aug 31 – Thursday, Sep 3
Week 3: Tuesday, Sep 8 – Friday, Sep 11
UPCOMING HOME ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS
Come out and support our Bulldog athletes at our upcoming home games!
Thursday, Aug 27: Varsity Football vs. FCCA (Home Opener!)
Thursday, Sep 3: JV & Varsity Volleyball (Home Opener!)
Friday, Sep 4: Varsity Football vs. Byron
Let's make this year the best one yet!
Drop a comment below with what your student is looking forward to most this year!
#BentleyBulldogs #BulldogPride #BackToSchool2026 #BentleyCommunitySchools
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting on August 10th…
* The district is moving forward with upgrades to the baseball field. Plans were shared for the removal of current dugouts, backstop, and related concrete as well as for the excavation necessary for the new pressbox/concession stand and the pouring of cement for new dugouts, bleachers, and trench footing for the pressbox.
* Due to very low interest, Barhitte will not offer a developmental kindergarten this year.
* The social emotional lessons will continue to be offered at Barhitte.
* The district has been in communication with several different playground providers. A committee of Barhitte staff and board members will determine the specific equipment to be bid.
* There was an informational presentation regarding the implications of establishing a community foundation as well as a foundation for the federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC). We will await greater clarity on the FSTC before deciding how best to proceed.
*The board approved all classes kindergarten through twelfth grade which will be offered in the 2026-27 school year.
You can click on the link below to see this information on our website:
https://aptg.co/kbH96S
* The district is moving forward with upgrades to the baseball field. Plans were shared for the removal of current dugouts, backstop, and related concrete as well as for the excavation necessary for the new pressbox/concession stand and the pouring of cement for new dugouts, bleachers, and trench footing for the pressbox.
* Due to very low interest, Barhitte will not offer a developmental kindergarten this year.
* The social emotional lessons will continue to be offered at Barhitte.
* The district has been in communication with several different playground providers. A committee of Barhitte staff and board members will determine the specific equipment to be bid.
* There was an informational presentation regarding the implications of establishing a community foundation as well as a foundation for the federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC). We will await greater clarity on the FSTC before deciding how best to proceed.
*The board approved all classes kindergarten through twelfth grade which will be offered in the 2026-27 school year.
You can click on the link below to see this information on our website:
https://aptg.co/kbH96S
The Burton Rotary is hosting their second annual ice cream social - a fundraiser for the Burton Rotary Club's scholarship program
When: Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Burton Senior Center located at 3410 South Grand Traverse, Burton.
Suggested minimum donation of $10 for adults (kids eat free)
Special thanks to Kris Johns and Vanessa Ferguson for donating the ice cream for this event AND to Up To The Corner Ice Cream Shop.
When: Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Burton Senior Center located at 3410 South Grand Traverse, Burton.
Suggested minimum donation of $10 for adults (kids eat free)
Special thanks to Kris Johns and Vanessa Ferguson for donating the ice cream for this event AND to Up To The Corner Ice Cream Shop.
Back to School 2026
Bentley Secondary Campus
Attention Bentley Community:
I want to start with something simple and true: I believe in the Bentley District. I believe in our students, our staff and our community.
That belief isn't blind optimism. It comes from ten years leading the high school where I watched something happen again and again…when we gave students clear expectations, consistent routines, and adults who followed through on both, students didn't just behave better. They became better. More confident. More capable. More themselves. They raised the game to met the expectations that were given to them.
That's the philosophy I’ll bring with me to the middle school as well this year, and I want to be upfront about it, because I think you deserve to know what to expect this school year.
We've heard the stories. Let's earn them again.
Ask anyone who's been around this district long enough, and you'll hear it about the teams that packed the stands, the academic reputation that turned heads across the county. Those stories aren't ancient history. They're proof of what this community is capable of. The talent, the pride, the potential…that hasn't gone anywhere. What we need now is tell our own story in our unique way.
I'm not interested in nostalgia for its own sake. I'm interested in it as a blueprint.
Somebody built that reputation once, on purpose, brick by brick. We can do it again…and I believe this can be the year we together as a secondary campus we start telling our own unique story….together as one.
Raising our game, on both fronts.
Academically, that means classrooms where the bar is high and every student has the support to clear it. It means we stop accepting "good enough" when we know what our students are actually capable of. That does not always mean A’s and B’s, but it means students who are giving it their all and will not accept “just getting by.”
Athletically, it means practices that are demanding, coaches who are accountable, and a culture where competing hard and representing this school well are simply the standard…not the exception on a good night. Just showing up and playing, having a winning record isn’t acceptable anymore. We want to be someone no one wants to play. We want to represent everyone who has come before us. We need to be tough, disciplined, and leave it all on the court/field/diamond.
And here's the connection I want to be explicit about: the discipline that wins games is the same discipline that raises our academics. The student who shows up on time, does the extra rep, follows through when nobody's watching…that's the same student in the classroom and on the field. We're not building two different cultures here. We're building one.
What you can count on from us this year:
* Expectations that are clear, consistent, and the same on a hard day as an easy one.
* Our staff who follow through on what we say, every time.
* A school where respect isn't a poster on the wall; it's how we actually talk to each other and to our students.
* High standards academically and athletically, paired with real support to help every student meet them.
* An understanding that if your student “steps in it” we will address the issue. It will never be personal, but continual disrespect and disregard for the rules are no longer acceptable. Respect and accountability will be central to everything we do.
What we are asking of you:
To students: I need you to show up. Try things that are hard. Take pride in wearing this school's name across your chest, whether that's on a report card or a jersey. Bring it in the classroom and on the field. We can and will be better moving forward.
To families: We need you to talk with us, not just at us. If something isn't working, tell us early. We're on the same side, and rebuilding our story takes all of us working together and rowing in the same direction.
To staff and coaches: Thank you for the work you've already put in. I’m here to support what's working and build on it, not to pretend that I have all the answers.
This is where it starts, not with your basic cookie cutter back-to-school letter, but with a blueprint and a reminder of what the Bentley Community is capable of.
Let's create our own stories. Let’s show everyone who we are and what we are capable of.
Let’s get after it!
Justin B. Dickerson
Principal, Bentley Secondary Campus
810-591-9046
jdickerson@bentleyschools.org
Keith Edmonds
Dean of Student Affairs
810-591-9546
kedmonds@bentleyschools.org
Jimmy Stabile
PE Teacher, Behavioral Intervention and Head Football Coach
810-591-9574
jstabile@bentleyschools.org
Bentley Secondary Campus
Attention Bentley Community:
I want to start with something simple and true: I believe in the Bentley District. I believe in our students, our staff and our community.
That belief isn't blind optimism. It comes from ten years leading the high school where I watched something happen again and again…when we gave students clear expectations, consistent routines, and adults who followed through on both, students didn't just behave better. They became better. More confident. More capable. More themselves. They raised the game to met the expectations that were given to them.
That's the philosophy I’ll bring with me to the middle school as well this year, and I want to be upfront about it, because I think you deserve to know what to expect this school year.
We've heard the stories. Let's earn them again.
Ask anyone who's been around this district long enough, and you'll hear it about the teams that packed the stands, the academic reputation that turned heads across the county. Those stories aren't ancient history. They're proof of what this community is capable of. The talent, the pride, the potential…that hasn't gone anywhere. What we need now is tell our own story in our unique way.
I'm not interested in nostalgia for its own sake. I'm interested in it as a blueprint.
Somebody built that reputation once, on purpose, brick by brick. We can do it again…and I believe this can be the year we together as a secondary campus we start telling our own unique story….together as one.
Raising our game, on both fronts.
Academically, that means classrooms where the bar is high and every student has the support to clear it. It means we stop accepting "good enough" when we know what our students are actually capable of. That does not always mean A’s and B’s, but it means students who are giving it their all and will not accept “just getting by.”
Athletically, it means practices that are demanding, coaches who are accountable, and a culture where competing hard and representing this school well are simply the standard…not the exception on a good night. Just showing up and playing, having a winning record isn’t acceptable anymore. We want to be someone no one wants to play. We want to represent everyone who has come before us. We need to be tough, disciplined, and leave it all on the court/field/diamond.
And here's the connection I want to be explicit about: the discipline that wins games is the same discipline that raises our academics. The student who shows up on time, does the extra rep, follows through when nobody's watching…that's the same student in the classroom and on the field. We're not building two different cultures here. We're building one.
What you can count on from us this year:
* Expectations that are clear, consistent, and the same on a hard day as an easy one.
* Our staff who follow through on what we say, every time.
* A school where respect isn't a poster on the wall; it's how we actually talk to each other and to our students.
* High standards academically and athletically, paired with real support to help every student meet them.
* An understanding that if your student “steps in it” we will address the issue. It will never be personal, but continual disrespect and disregard for the rules are no longer acceptable. Respect and accountability will be central to everything we do.
What we are asking of you:
To students: I need you to show up. Try things that are hard. Take pride in wearing this school's name across your chest, whether that's on a report card or a jersey. Bring it in the classroom and on the field. We can and will be better moving forward.
To families: We need you to talk with us, not just at us. If something isn't working, tell us early. We're on the same side, and rebuilding our story takes all of us working together and rowing in the same direction.
To staff and coaches: Thank you for the work you've already put in. I’m here to support what's working and build on it, not to pretend that I have all the answers.
This is where it starts, not with your basic cookie cutter back-to-school letter, but with a blueprint and a reminder of what the Bentley Community is capable of.
Let's create our own stories. Let’s show everyone who we are and what we are capable of.
Let’s get after it!
Justin B. Dickerson
Principal, Bentley Secondary Campus
810-591-9046
jdickerson@bentleyschools.org
Keith Edmonds
Dean of Student Affairs
810-591-9546
kedmonds@bentleyschools.org
Jimmy Stabile
PE Teacher, Behavioral Intervention and Head Football Coach
810-591-9574
jstabile@bentleyschools.org
ONLINE ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION IS WORKING AGAIN.
https://www.bentleyschools.org/page/enrollment-and-registration-information/
If you are still having issues, please call (810) 591-9523.
Attention Bentley Community:
A reminder from the Athletic Department that Sports Physicals will be tonight from 4:00-7:00pm at the BHS Media Center.
The cost is $15.00 and will be done through Hope Urgent Care.
All fall athletes need to have a physical on file to try-out and compete this upcoming season, so please come take advantage of the physicals offered on campus tonight.
Thank you!
Mrs. Gooch
A reminder from the Athletic Department that Sports Physicals will be tonight from 4:00-7:00pm at the BHS Media Center.
The cost is $15.00 and will be done through Hope Urgent Care.
All fall athletes need to have a physical on file to try-out and compete this upcoming season, so please come take advantage of the physicals offered on campus tonight.
Thank you!
Mrs. Gooch
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
● The Board approved the hire of several people: Michele Prainito, Krystal Bugbee, and Nate Minnoy.
○ Michele is joining the District as a school social worker with 13 years of experience. She loves kids and knew from a young age that connecting with students in this capacity is how she wanted to make a difference in the world.
○ Krystal is joining the District as a lead teacher at Bentley Little Bulldogs. She has worked with young children for years, and specifically as a lead GSRP teacher for the last three years. She also loves young children and helping them thrive–she’s especially excited about our nature-based program.
○ Coach Nate is joining the District to lead the Boys Varsity Basketball team. People who know him all concur that he connects readily with youth! He is looking forward to building the program starting with elementary students.
● The Board also approved the installation of fencing at Barhitte Elementary, adding another layer of security for our students, which is funded through state grant money for safety.
● We took a quick peek at our updated policy website, which you can see at the link below:
https://go.neola.com/bntl-mi/policy
You can also see this post (and all the other ICYMIs) on our website at:
https://aptg.co/sKsfPg
● The Board approved the hire of several people: Michele Prainito, Krystal Bugbee, and Nate Minnoy.
○ Michele is joining the District as a school social worker with 13 years of experience. She loves kids and knew from a young age that connecting with students in this capacity is how she wanted to make a difference in the world.
○ Krystal is joining the District as a lead teacher at Bentley Little Bulldogs. She has worked with young children for years, and specifically as a lead GSRP teacher for the last three years. She also loves young children and helping them thrive–she’s especially excited about our nature-based program.
○ Coach Nate is joining the District to lead the Boys Varsity Basketball team. People who know him all concur that he connects readily with youth! He is looking forward to building the program starting with elementary students.
● The Board also approved the installation of fencing at Barhitte Elementary, adding another layer of security for our students, which is funded through state grant money for safety.
● We took a quick peek at our updated policy website, which you can see at the link below:
https://go.neola.com/bntl-mi/policy
You can also see this post (and all the other ICYMIs) on our website at:
https://aptg.co/sKsfPg
In case you missed this week’s Regular Board of Education meeting…
* The 2025-2026 final budget, 2026-2027 initial budget, and the truth-in-taxation levy were presented to the board. We are ending this year with a 14.15% fund balance.
* Mr. Folke Boman, retired Bentley teacher and Middle School Principal, was recognized for his 21 years of volunteer service with the Skeet Club, which he began in 2005. He didn't just teach young people how to handle a firearm safely or build the skills to shoot competitively. He built a family. Because of his mentorship, our students have traveled the country, qualifying and competing at both state and national events. He has opened doors to collegiate scholarships that changed lives, and he helped decades of students find their passion, their confidence, and their lifelong friends.
* The August 10th board meeting has been moved to 6:00 PM.
* And there were two closed sessions: collective bargaining and superintendent evaluation.
You can see this message on our website by clicking on the link below.
https://aptg.co/7kx2S4
Welcome to summer!
We hope your season is off to a fantastic start and that you’re all getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and playtime outdoors.
While you're out enjoying the beautiful weather, it’s also important to stay mindful of some tiny summer party-crashers. As you’ve likely heard in the news, ticks and mosquitoes are highly prevalent across Genesee County this year. Not only can you get bitten when you are outside, our furry friends (dogs, cats, and outdoor buddies) can easily hitchhike them right into the house. So, taking a few quick precautions will keep everyone safe without missing out on the fun!
The Genesee County Health Department recommends these simple steps to prevent bites:
How to Prevent Bites & Stay Safe:
Gear Up: Use EPA-approved insect repellent (like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535) and wear light-colored protective clothing so you can spot bugs easily. You can also wear permethrin-treated clothing for extra defense!
The Post-Play Routine: Shower soon after being outdoors, and do a quick tick check (don't forget to check hair, the neck, underarms, and behind ears!).
Laundry Trick: Toss your outdoor clothes in the dryer on high heat for 60 minutes to kill any hidden ticks.
Yard Care: Clear away tall grass, brush, and leaves, and remove any standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Note: If you do happen to get bitten and feel worried or notice any unusual symptoms, please reach out to your doctor.
Don't let the bugs keep you inside—just prep, protect, and play! Click the link below for more helpful safety resources and information:
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/departments/health_department/water_resources/crisisresponse.php
Be safe, protect your pack, and have an amazing summer!
#GeneseeCounty #SummerSafety #HealthyLiving #PublicHealth #Outdoors Michigan Summer
We hope your season is off to a fantastic start and that you’re all getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and playtime outdoors.
While you're out enjoying the beautiful weather, it’s also important to stay mindful of some tiny summer party-crashers. As you’ve likely heard in the news, ticks and mosquitoes are highly prevalent across Genesee County this year. Not only can you get bitten when you are outside, our furry friends (dogs, cats, and outdoor buddies) can easily hitchhike them right into the house. So, taking a few quick precautions will keep everyone safe without missing out on the fun!
The Genesee County Health Department recommends these simple steps to prevent bites:
How to Prevent Bites & Stay Safe:
Gear Up: Use EPA-approved insect repellent (like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535) and wear light-colored protective clothing so you can spot bugs easily. You can also wear permethrin-treated clothing for extra defense!
The Post-Play Routine: Shower soon after being outdoors, and do a quick tick check (don't forget to check hair, the neck, underarms, and behind ears!).
Laundry Trick: Toss your outdoor clothes in the dryer on high heat for 60 minutes to kill any hidden ticks.
Yard Care: Clear away tall grass, brush, and leaves, and remove any standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Note: If you do happen to get bitten and feel worried or notice any unusual symptoms, please reach out to your doctor.
Don't let the bugs keep you inside—just prep, protect, and play! Click the link below for more helpful safety resources and information:
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/departments/health_department/water_resources/crisisresponse.php
Be safe, protect your pack, and have an amazing summer!
#GeneseeCounty #SummerSafety #HealthyLiving #PublicHealth #Outdoors Michigan Summer
What a perfect day on the course!
Today marked the Bentley Board of Education’s First Annual Golf Outing, and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout or more beautiful weather at the stunning Sugarbush golf course!
We had 17 foursomes hit the greens, enjoyed some delicious lunch and dinner, and wrapped things up by raffling off some incredible prizes. Most importantly, every dollar raised today will go directly toward funding scholarships for our graduating seniors!
A Huge Thank You To:
* Our Generous Sponsors & Donors – Your incredible support makes a lasting impact on our students' futures.
* Our Amazing Golfers – Thank you for bringing your A-game and great energy to the course.
* Our Hardworking Volunteers – This day wouldn't have been possible without your time and dedication behind the scenes!
Want to see the highlights?
Click the link below to check out all the photos from today’s fantastic event!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/m1BH1X8sgPCC5Ee36
#CommunityFirst #SupportOurSeniors #SugarbushGolf #EducationMatters #GolfOuting
Today marked the Bentley Board of Education’s First Annual Golf Outing, and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout or more beautiful weather at the stunning Sugarbush golf course!
We had 17 foursomes hit the greens, enjoyed some delicious lunch and dinner, and wrapped things up by raffling off some incredible prizes. Most importantly, every dollar raised today will go directly toward funding scholarships for our graduating seniors!
A Huge Thank You To:
* Our Generous Sponsors & Donors – Your incredible support makes a lasting impact on our students' futures.
* Our Amazing Golfers – Thank you for bringing your A-game and great energy to the course.
* Our Hardworking Volunteers – This day wouldn't have been possible without your time and dedication behind the scenes!
Want to see the highlights?
Click the link below to check out all the photos from today’s fantastic event!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/m1BH1X8sgPCC5Ee36
#CommunityFirst #SupportOurSeniors #SugarbushGolf #EducationMatters #GolfOuting
We're finishing set up and looking forward to seeing all of our friends from across the Bentley Community today at 4:30 pm for a community resource fair. Power down and play! Free sports physicals. Free dinner. Free gun locks. Over 50 vendors. Therapy dogs. Give aways. And lots of fun and play!
If you missed the newest edition of our Bentley Barker, you can check it out by clicking on the link below:
https://aptg.co/448jvJ
Read about our big Community Resource Fair tomorrow; our fabulous nature-based preschool; happenings at Barhitte Elementary, the Middle & High Schools; sports; and more!
https://aptg.co/448jvJ
Read about our big Community Resource Fair tomorrow; our fabulous nature-based preschool; happenings at Barhitte Elementary, the Middle & High Schools; sports; and more!
Dear Bentley Families,
As we look ahead to a bright future for our schools, I want to share some exciting updates regarding a positive shift in our leadership structure for the upcoming school year.
Like many school districts across the state of Michigan navigating shifting enrollment trends, Bentley is proactively adapting to ensure we provide the strongest, most cohesive educational experience possible for our students. While adjusting to these trends comes with its own unique set of challenges, it also opens the door to incredible opportunities for growth, alignment, and unprecedented consistency across our buildings.
As shared in our newsletter two weeks ago, Middle School Principal Mr. Bednarski is officially retiring. We are deeply grateful for his years of dedication to Bentley and wish him the absolute best in his next chapter!
With this transition, I am thrilled to announce that High School Principal Mr. Justin Dickerson will be stepping into an expanded role to serve as the principal for both Bentley Middle School and Bentley High School. Given that our two buildings are separated only by a parking lot, this close proximity makes it incredibly easy for him to be a highly visible, active, and engaged leader across both campuses every single day.
Recently, Mr. Dickerson shared the powerful story of Bentley High School’s ongoing transformation. The formula behind our recent success (including a noticeable decrease in negative behaviors and a rise in academic achievement) comes down to three foundational pillars that Mr. Dickerson will now bring to our entire 6th–12th grade community:
• Structure: Creating clear, predictable, and supportive environments where students can thrive.
• Discipline: Cultivating focus, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Personal Accountability: Empowering students to take ownership of their choices, actions, and education.
To ensure that every single one of our 336 students in grades 6-12 receives the individualized attention and support they deserve, Mr. Dickerson will be backed by a phenomenal leadership and student-support team:
• Dean of Students Keith Edmonds will continue to provide vital leadership and behavioral guidance across the buildings.
• Teacher and Coach James Stabile will expand his impact by serving half-time at Bentley Middle School. Mr. Stabile will specifically focus on supporting our middle school students socially and emotionally, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and motivated every day.
There is profound strength in a unified campus. By aligning our middle and high school leadership, we are bridging the gap between these pivotal grade levels. Our committed staff across both buildings is looking forward to the positive changes that this streamlined consistency will yield for our families.
Downsizing and restructuring require agility, and the seamless alignment we are gaining as a result is going to yield incredible outcomes for our kids. I am genuinely excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for Bentley.
Please join me in offering a warm, enthusiastic welcome to Mr. Dickerson as he takes the helm of our secondary schools! Together, we are building a stronger, more united Bentley.
Warmly,
Dr. Kristy Spann
Superintendent
As we look ahead to a bright future for our schools, I want to share some exciting updates regarding a positive shift in our leadership structure for the upcoming school year.
Like many school districts across the state of Michigan navigating shifting enrollment trends, Bentley is proactively adapting to ensure we provide the strongest, most cohesive educational experience possible for our students. While adjusting to these trends comes with its own unique set of challenges, it also opens the door to incredible opportunities for growth, alignment, and unprecedented consistency across our buildings.
As shared in our newsletter two weeks ago, Middle School Principal Mr. Bednarski is officially retiring. We are deeply grateful for his years of dedication to Bentley and wish him the absolute best in his next chapter!
With this transition, I am thrilled to announce that High School Principal Mr. Justin Dickerson will be stepping into an expanded role to serve as the principal for both Bentley Middle School and Bentley High School. Given that our two buildings are separated only by a parking lot, this close proximity makes it incredibly easy for him to be a highly visible, active, and engaged leader across both campuses every single day.
Recently, Mr. Dickerson shared the powerful story of Bentley High School’s ongoing transformation. The formula behind our recent success (including a noticeable decrease in negative behaviors and a rise in academic achievement) comes down to three foundational pillars that Mr. Dickerson will now bring to our entire 6th–12th grade community:
• Structure: Creating clear, predictable, and supportive environments where students can thrive.
• Discipline: Cultivating focus, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Personal Accountability: Empowering students to take ownership of their choices, actions, and education.
To ensure that every single one of our 336 students in grades 6-12 receives the individualized attention and support they deserve, Mr. Dickerson will be backed by a phenomenal leadership and student-support team:
• Dean of Students Keith Edmonds will continue to provide vital leadership and behavioral guidance across the buildings.
• Teacher and Coach James Stabile will expand his impact by serving half-time at Bentley Middle School. Mr. Stabile will specifically focus on supporting our middle school students socially and emotionally, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and motivated every day.
There is profound strength in a unified campus. By aligning our middle and high school leadership, we are bridging the gap between these pivotal grade levels. Our committed staff across both buildings is looking forward to the positive changes that this streamlined consistency will yield for our families.
Downsizing and restructuring require agility, and the seamless alignment we are gaining as a result is going to yield incredible outcomes for our kids. I am genuinely excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for Bentley.
Please join me in offering a warm, enthusiastic welcome to Mr. Dickerson as he takes the helm of our secondary schools! Together, we are building a stronger, more united Bentley.
Warmly,
Dr. Kristy Spann
Superintendent
In Case You Missed It (yesterday's board meeting)...you can check out highlights by clicking on the link below:
Have a GREAT day! And remember to join us tomorrow for the Bentley Community Resource Fair: Power Down and Play from 4:30-6:30 PM at Bentley High School. It's free for the community...enjoy dinner, free sports physicals, lots of give-aways, an inflatable obstacle course, games, therapy dogs, and so much more!
As shared via MLive two days ago, Belsay Road was closed a short while ago for the next two weeks due to construction at the railroad crossing. Here is a link to the article:
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2026/06/busy-stretch-of-belsay-road-in-burton-to-close-two-weeks-for-railroad-crossing-repair.html
We were hopeful this morning when it was still open that it would remain so for a couple of days. Alas, that is not the case. The closure began. So our purple bus was likely a little late this afternoon and will be tomorrow.
https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2026/06/busy-stretch-of-belsay-road-in-burton-to-close-two-weeks-for-railroad-crossing-repair.html
We were hopeful this morning when it was still open that it would remain so for a couple of days. Alas, that is not the case. The closure began. So our purple bus was likely a little late this afternoon and will be tomorrow.
Bentley Community Schools 2026-2027 Calendar has been updated. Click here to see the current calendar in pdf form:
https://aptg.co/GQctb-
Note: Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 30 is the new half day for students and professional learning for staff, not October 7.
https://aptg.co/GQctb-
Note: Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 30 is the new half day for students and professional learning for staff, not October 7.
Free Bentley Community Resource Fair: Power Down & Play
Wed, June 10 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM @ Bentley High School 1150 N Belsay Rd - Rain or Shine
Free dinner, free sports physicals, free gunlocks, inflatable obstacle course, games, many community resources and giveaways (books, outdoor games, and more). Come join the fun! Questions? Call (810) 591-9120
