Belmond-Klemme Community School District

Ryan Meyer has dedicated six years to the School Board, a journey inspired by his daughter’s education. A professional electrician and a member of the Goodell Fire Department, Ryan brings a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to public service to his leadership role. He firmly believes that a board member's primary focus should always be on the students. His key priorities include improving educational outcomes for all students and strengthening the partnership between parents, the community, and the district. In his spare time, Ryan stays active by cutting firewood and enjoying the outdoors.

With two years of service on the board, Kevin Ring is a dedicated advocate for the community and its students. A Wind Technician of 16 years, Kevin was inspired to serve by the many local athletes he has coached over the years, including his own two children who currently attend BK. Kevin is deeply involved in the district as a youth sports coach, a Gridiron Club member, and a frequent volunteer for church and high school events. He believes a board member’s most vital roles are being a voice for the community and ensuring sound policy and responsible use of public funds. His ultimate goal is to see every student graduate prepared for success, regardless of their future path. In his free time, Kevin enjoys BK activities, leatherworking, and riding his motorcycle.

Gary L. Berkland is a retired attorney and long-time resident of Belmond, Iowa. He practiced law locally for over 50 years, earning a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and community-minded service. Gary and his wife raised two daughters who graduated from Belmond-Klemme schools, giving him a personal stake in the district’s success.

Gary has served on and off the Belmond-Klemme School Board for more than 25 years. His enduring commitment to education is rooted in a belief that “our job is to always do what is best for kids.” He is a passionate advocate for student growth and encourages young people to become critical thinkers who will lead our country into the future.

In addition to his board service, Gary is an active volunteer and a familiar face at community events. His leadership reflects a deep dedication to the well-being of students, staff, and families across the district.

With over 30 years of service, James "Jim" Swenson brings unparalleled experience to the Belmond-Klemme School Board. A retired auto body shop owner of 40 years, Jim now focuses his time on the district where his children and six grandchildren have grown up. Jim is a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and maintaining high-quality facilities, all while pushing for Iowa to lead the nation in education. His goal is to ensure a top-tier learning environment for every student. When he isn’t serving the community, Jim enjoys retreating to his cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks to fish with his family.

Newly elected to the Belmond-Klemme School Board, Melissa Arnold is a dedicated advocate for students and a deep believer in community engagement. Since 2014, she has been the owner and baker at Sugarpie Bakery and Cafe, fulfilling a lifelong dream while serving the local community. As a BK parent, wife of an alum, and Girl Scout Troop Leader, Melissa's commitment to the district is personal. She believes a board member’s most vital role is to be an active voice for the kids, ensuring the district remains strong, supportive, and sustainable. In her free time, Melissa enjoys reading, thrifting, and all things Taylor Swift.

Now in his third term, Rick McDaniel is a dedicated advocate for student opportunity and achievement. A retired Belmond Chief of Police, Rick brings decades of public service experience to the district where his four children have attended school. Rick is active in the community as President of the Wright County Gun Club and a volunteer for the FFA Trap team. His leadership focuses on: fiscal responsibility, using taxpayer funds wisely to support students and staff and excellence, building a district-wide culture of academic and cultural success. In his free time, Rick enjoys shooting sports, fishing, photography, and traveling with his family.

With 2.5 years of service on the school board, Joel Buseman is driven by a deep pride in his town and a commitment to the success of its youth. As a local farmer and owner of an aerial spraying company, Joel brings a practical, hardworking perspective to the district’s leadership. His connection to Belmond-Klemme is deeply personal; he is the father of two dual-enrolled students and serves the community as a volunteer football coach, mentoring student-athletes on and off the field.

Joel believes the primary responsibility of the school board is to ensure that both students and staff are equipped with the resources they need to excel. He is particularly focused on academic growth and is dedicated to seeing district test scores move in a positive direction. When he isn’t working or volunteering, Joel is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys flying, traveling, hunting, and fishing.

Theresa Greenfield earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Upper Iowa University. Her passion for meaningful work led her to the healthcare industry, where she served as Business Analyst and gained experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. In 2017, Theresa and her family moved to Belmond, and she joined the Belmond‑Klemme Community School District as Business Manager. She truly enjoys the challenges and purpose of school finance and takes great pride in responsibly managing district resources in support of students, staff, and the Bronco community.