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It’s not every day you get to introduce yourself to a community as special as Blue Valley, but I’m thrilled to be writing my first column as the district’s new superintendent.
Returning to Johnson County has been both exciting and familiar. For those who don’t know, I grew up in this area and spent more than 20 years working as an educator in the Shawnee Mission School District. It was 10 years ago that I moved to Jackson Hole, Wyo., to serve as the Teton County School District superintendent.
After a decade away, I’m reminded there’s no place like home. I’ve been meeting students, staff and families, and listening closely to the stories that make this district special.
From spontaneous dancing in an elementary music class to high schoolers showing confidence and kindness, there’s a lot to celebrate in Blue Valley. In my first few months, I’ve witnessed many of these moments.
There’s a sense of pride in every building I visit and a genuine warmth. I’m often stopped in the hallway by students, staff and families with a simple “Welcome to Blue Valley.” That culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of decades of community support, exceptional educators and an unwavering focus on students.
This year, we’re celebrating 60 years of Blue Valley. That’s six decades of growth, learning and community investment. It’s also a reminder that our success is built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Looking ahead, we have a clear direction. Thanks to the incredible work of our staff and community, we’ve launched a new strategic plan that will guide us into the next decade. It’s a plan that focuses on academic excellence, student and staff well-being and empowering educators. Our refreshed mission says it best: We are cultivating lifelong learners prepared to navigate their future with purpose.
Since my first day in Blue Valley, I’ve been reminded that we don’t just build strong schools, we build strong futures. And that work, while serious, can also be joyful. Whether it’s a student finding their voice in a classroom, a family member showing quiet support or a teacher creating magic through music, these are the moments that define us.
As we step into this new school year together, I’m excited—not just for what we’ll accomplish but for the chance to meet more of you. I look forward to visiting your schools, hearing your stories and working side by side to make Blue Valley the best it can be.
Here’s to a school year full of connection, celebration and lots of smiles.
Board of Education
Jodie Dietz
Dr. Sonya Evans
Patrick Hurley
Jan Kessinger
Gina Knapp
Jim McMullen
Clay Norkey
For more information about Blue Valley Today, contact the Communications Department at 913-239-4047.
Gillian Chapman, Ed.D.
Gillian Chapman, Ed.D.
First Day of School
The 2025-26 school year kicked off with students eager for a year bound to be filled with academic success, engaging experiences and timeless moments. As Blue Valley enters its 60th year, a new strategic plan and refreshed mission set the course — centered on academic excellence, student and staff well-being and empowering educators. Together, we are cultivating lifelong learners prepared to navigate their future with purpose.
LEADING WITH PURPOSE
A conversation with Dr. Gillian Chapman
In July, Dr. Gillian Chapman began her tenure as superintendent of Blue Valley Schools. With more than 30 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to listening, learning and leading, she’s stepping into her new role with a fresh perspective and a strong sense of purpose.
In this Q&A, Dr. Chapman reflects on what brought her back to Kansas, her vision for Blue Valley’s future and the values that guide her leadership.
Q.Can you share a little about your background in education and how your past experiences have prepared you for this role?
A.I began my career in the Park Hill School District, then moved to the Shawnee Mission School District. Through the years, I’ve been a paraprofessional, teacher, principal, associate superintendent and superintendent. Each experience gave me a broader understanding of how school systems work and prepared me to lead effectively. Serving as a superintendent in a smaller district
taught me to be resourceful, to hire people I trust and to grow leaders.
Q.Was there someone who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
A.My grandmother, who never finished eighth grade, was my biggest inspiration. She worked hard to support her family, and she was my best friend.
Q.What are your top priorities as you begin your role in Blue Valley, and what opportunities do you see for the district?
A.My top priority is building relationships with staff, students and families because strong connections are key to understanding where we are and where we need to go. Blue Valley has a proud 60-year legacy, and while that foundation has served us well, today’s students face new challenges and opportunities. We must adapt by preparing wellrounded students who are curious, adaptable and see the value of coming to school each day. We need to help students connect what they learn to the real world, remove barriers that get in their way and ensure they know they matter, that we need them and believe in their potential.
Q.How do you define success, not just academically, but allaround success?
A.I think success is a student who is curious and developing confidence. They might be shy, but they’re developing the skills necessary to navigate and adapt. Academics are a big part of that.
They have to be readers, writers and mathematicians, but how they use that information to navigate and experience the world is important.
Q.With a new strategic plan comes a new mission statement. What does “cultivating lifelong learners prepared to navigate their future with purpose” mean to you?
A.What resonates with me most in the new mission statement is the word “cultivating.” It speaks to creating the right conditions for students to thrive, not just directing their path but preparing the environment so they can grow in ways we may not even anticipate. It’s about nurturing curiosity, potential and possibility, whether you’re a teacher, a principal or support staff contributing to a student’s journey.
Q.Where do you see Blue Valley Schools in five years?
A.I hope Blue Valley looks less like the traditional schools of the past and more like a place where
learning is deeply personalized and forward-focused. Our students should be confident, adaptable and equipped with the skills to walk through any door they choose, even ones we can’t yet imagine. I hope we’re fostering a love of learning from our youngest students to those in high school and beyond. I want every student to feel a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
Q.As you meet students, staff, families and community members, what values do you hope they recognize in you as a leader and community member?
A.I hope people see that I lead with respect, kindness and that I value innovation and risk-taking. I want them to know I believe in our students and deeply value the trust families place in us. We have their most important person in our care every day. I hope they see my gratitude, my confidence in every student’s potential and a genuine love for students and this community.
After nine months of meaningful conversation, input from 5,000 community members and collaborative work by a 30-member planning committee representing a broad cross-section of the community, the Blue Valley Board of Education approved the district’s new strategic plan in May 2025. This plan, Cultivating Blue Valley, represents more than a vision — it’s our collective roadmap for the future.
Blue Valley’s strategic plan was shaped over nine months by a 30-member planning committee representing a broad cross-section of the community and was approved by the Board of Education in May 2025.
MISSION STATEMENT
Cultivating lifelong learners prepared to navigate their future with purpose.
We provide all students with rigorous, equitable learning and engaging experiences that prepare them to thrive.
Fostering Supportive & Healthy School Communities
We prioritize safety, well-being and belonging so every student and staff member feels supported to grow.
Empowering Exemplary Educators & Staff
We invest in exceptional people — supporting growth, well-being and a shared purpose to make a difference.
To learn more, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/strategicplan.
STRATEGIES
•Quality Instruction
•New and Expanding Programs
•Learning with Technology Tools
STRATEGIES
•Climate
•Behavior Support
•Community Partners
•Physical Health
•Student Connectedness
STRATEGIES
•Exemplary Staff
•Supportive Work Environment
News & Notes
To watch the Blue Valley Schools: Excellence in Education video, visit www.tinyurl.com/BVExcellence.
To learn more about the rankings, visit www.tinyurl. com/BVHighSchools.
To discover what makes Blue Valley an award-winning district, visit www. tinyurl.com/ BVEmployment.
Champions of Learning: The spirit of Blue Valley
Excellence isn’t just a goal in Blue Valley — it’s who we are. For 60 years, our students, staff and community have created meaningful learning, a strong sense of belonging and opportunities for every student to shine. As we honor this legacy and move forward with a new strategic direction, we invite you to see what makes Blue Valley one of the best school districts in the country.
U.S. News names Blue Valley high schools to 2025 Best High Schools list
U.S. News & World Report ranked all five Blue Valley high schools among the top 10 in Kansas and the top 10% of high schools nationwide. This honor reflects the district’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and creating exceptional student experiences within supportive, healthy school communities led by empowered educators and staff.
Blue Valley earns a top Kansas employer honor again
For the seventh consecutive year, Forbes ranked Blue Valley Schools as one of the best employers in Kansas. The district has been named to the list every year since the award’s inception. This honor reflects the district’s commitment to fostering a supportive, healthy school community. Blue Valley thanks its exemplary staff, whose dedication and heart drive academic excellence and define what makes the district stand out.
Blue Valley’s 2024-25 Annual Report takes a detailed look at last school year and celebrates accolades across the district, from our award-winning district and exemplary educators to ChampionsOfLearning and achievements in athletics and activities.
To read the full report, visit www.tinyurl.com/BVAnnualReport25.
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