Blue Valley Today — Winter 2025

WINTER 2025

Blue Valley’s renovated FACS classrooms A second chapter of service 2026 Legislative Priorities

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As I wrap up my first semester in Blue Valley, I continue to be inspired by what I see in our classrooms, schools and community. From the curiosity of our youngest learners to the confidence of seniors ready to navigate their futures with purpose, it’s clear that Blue Valley is much more than a school district. Throughout its 60-year history, Blue Valley has become a community grounded in shared values and home to dedicated staff, families and students who are supported and engaged in learning.

One moment this year that highlighted the strong relationships our schools foster occurred during a visit to an elementary classroom. I walked in during snack time and by the time I left, I had an assortment of snacks shared by the students. In case you were wondering, Goldfish and veggie straws appear to be the most popular snack choices, amongst a few carefully cut grapes and a bite-sized piece of prosciutto. That simple interaction reminded me what a community looks like when it’s built on trust, kindness and joyful connection. It’s what our educators build every day and it’s the heart of our strategic plan. Without a positive school culture, we couldn’t prioritize safety, well-being and belonging in ways that support every student and staff member to grow.

These students understand that what they create today, inside and outside the classroom, becomes the legacy the next generation builds upon. They want a Blue Valley that looks to the future, and as a district, we’re committed to making that happen. Ongoing improvements funded by Bond 2023 reflect our community’s commitment to excellence and ensure students have spaces where they can learn, grow and prepare for what’s next.

As we head into a new year and the 2026 Kansas legislative session, Blue Valley is committed to advocating for our students, staff and community through policies that support students and strengthen public education. That includes increasing safety and well-being in schools, funding special education as statutorily required and ensuring school finance is fair and equitable for every Kansas community.

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for the conversations, experiences and clear sense of purpose that define Blue Valley. This district is rooted in relationships and driven by high expectations. I look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead as we continue to listen, learn and lead together.

That same sense of community is clear at the high school level. I’ve been meeting with student advisory groups at each of our five high schools and the Blue Valley Academy. These students bring honest, insightful perspectives that highlight the importance of connection and belonging. They’ve shared what makes their school special and the answer echoes across buildings — meaningful relationships and adults who genuinely care.

Gillian Chapman, Ed.D.

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15020 Metcalf Ave. P.O. Box 23901 Overland Park, KS 66283-0901 913-239-4000 Gillian Chapman, Ed.D.

Board of Education Jodie Dietz Dr. Sonya Evans Patrick Hurley Jan Kessinger Gina Knapp Jim McMullen Clay Norkey

Website www.bluevalleyk12.org For more information about Blue Valley Today, contact the Communications Department at 913-239-4047.

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Blue Valley Schools WINTER 2025 • 3

COOKING UP SUCCESS: Blue Valley’s renovated FACS classrooms transform learning

Walking into a Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classroom in Blue Valley, you might notice students buzzing with excitement, hear the chatter as they problem-solve how to prepare a new recipe or smell the aroma of ingredients melding together in the oven.

This unique space might look like a kitchen, but it's much more than that — it's a classroom space where

creativity, cooking and collaboration come together to create the perfect recipe for learning.

Blue Valley High, Blue Valley North and Blue Valley West received renovated FACS classrooms over the summer as part of the 2023 Bond, with Blue Valley Northwest, Blue Valley Southwest and Blue Valley Academy set to receive the same renovations in the summer of 2026.

The difference between the old and new spaces is evident. Sophia Boeger, a sophomore at Blue Valley High, said that the new layout has changed the energy of the class when cooking.

“I really think the openness of it is a lot better,” Boeger said. “It's not closed off, and our teacher can see us all cooking, which makes it easier for her to help. The sinks are newer and everything’s organized.”

These newly renovated classrooms were designed with open layouts, commercial-grade equipment and technology that mirror restaurant-style cooking environments. They have all new appliances, from KitchenAid mixers to industrial dishwashers that sanitize in minutes.

The culinary labs feature large display screens that assist the FACS teachers with cooking demonstrations, allowing them to stream themselves from a bird's-eye view as they demonstrate a recipe. This allows students to get a close-up look at the cooking lab that they are about to complete.

The atmosphere in these culinary labs shows students what they would encounter in a professional kitchen and allows them to explore whether the culinary arts are a path they want to pursue after high school graduation.

“This is my third year here at Blue Valley High, and the difference between our old space and the new one is incredible,” said Savannah Williams, a FACS teacher.

“Everything is updated and high-tech, and it matches how kitchens look in a restaurant. It’s so nice to be able to teach the way restaurants do things.”

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Danielle May, a FACS teacher at Blue Valley West, has experienced the same excitement from her students who are eager to work in the more professional-grade kitchen. With the new space, both teachers have noticed an increase in enrollment in their elective course.

“In the old room, it felt like home cooking,” May said. “In this new space, students feel more professional and have a more professional attitude. They now understand the difference between home kitchens and restaurantstyle culinary experiences.”

Charlie Holoch, a senior at Blue Valley West, said that the modern design gives both her and other students a sense of independence. She, along with her fellow classmates, appreciates the open space because it allows them to take ownership of their assigned station in the kitchen.

“IN THIS NEW SPACE, STUDENTS FEEL MORE PROFESSIONAL AND HAVE A MORE PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE. THEY NOW UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOME KITCHENS AND RESTAURANT-STYLE CULINARY EXPERIENCES.”

DANIELLE MAY

FACS TEACHER, BLUE VALLEY WEST

With four students in a cooking group, each student has their own assigned role - prep cook, lead chef, station cook or cleaner. These roles rotate with every lab, depending on what students are excited about or what role they had in the previous lab.

“Before, group work was more difficult because we were working in a smaller, more enclosed space,” Holoch said.

“Now, everyone has their own section and we can move around freely without bumping into each other.”

Both FACS teachers agree that the new spaces elevate the learning experience for students. In the upgraded kitchens, students are not only strengthening teamwork and problem-solving skills, but they’re also gaining exposure to skills they can use in any kitchen, whether it is at home or in future careers. These modern classrooms are giving students practical industrystandard skills that prepare them for success both inside and beyond the classroom.

“I’m just so excited to see the FACS department grow in the next couple of years, just from this remodel and all of the things we’re now able to do with having it,” Williams said.

WINTER 2025 • 5

A SECOND CHAPTER OF SERVICE:

From the Navy to middle school, retired navy captain finds purpose in second act When Ryan O’Loughlin stepped into Pleasant Ridge Middle in August 2025, it marked the beginning of a new mission. After 25 years in the U.S. Navy — including command of the USS Forrest Sherman and USS Winston S. Churchill — O’Loughlin began his next chapter. Today, he teaches seventh grade science and social studies, which he views as a continuation of his calling to serve.

He recalled that the aspects of Navy life he valued most were watching sailors grow, learn and succeed, and building high-performing teams aboard ship. Those same experiences made teaching feel like the natural next step for O’Loughlin.

“When having a rough day, I could always walk the deck plates and talk with sailors, which always energized me,” O’Loughlin said. “I thought teaching would align with that.”

Charting his course

O’Loughlin grew up in Jackson, Missouri, and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri in 2000. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School.

His Navy career spanned leadership and instructional roles, including teaching and mentoring officers and

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serving in senior leadership positions aboard ship.

Teaching, O’Loughlin said, had always been a rewarding part of his military work.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching, watching young people learn, grow and succeed,” O’Loughlin said. “Seeing the moment when that lightbulb goes off... The Navy gave me countless opportunities to do that. I wanted that same opportunity in the post-Navy phase of life.”

“It is a privilege and opportunity to help shape and mold these young people.

They have their whole lives in front of them, and it’s important to recognize the part we play on the team that helps set them on the right course.”

RYAN O’LOUGHLIN

SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER, PLEASANT RIDGE MIDDLE

Anchoring in Blue Valley

Continuing to serve

To begin his new career in education, O’Loughlin enrolled in Kansas State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. When he and his wife started looking for the right community to plant roots, Blue Valley quickly stood out, O’Loughlin said.

O’Loughlin believes his background in political science, business and military service shapes how he teaches.

“As we researched the best places to live in the area, dropping anchor in Blue Valley Schools was clearly the place to be for our family,” O’Loughlin said.

Since joining the district, he’s been struck by its focus on staff development and support.

“I’ve been blown away by the dedication the district has to the professional development of its teachers,” O’Loughlin said. “It’s genuine, and they really want us to be the best we can be in the classroom. It contributes to great organizational health in both the district and in our individual schools.”

“I can put what we learn in the classroom into realworld context, which opens the door to the material’s relevance,” O’Loughlin said.

He shared that building relationships with students is one of the most meaningful parts of teaching.

“So much of what we do as teachers is build relationships with our students,” O’Loughlin said. “It is a privilege and opportunity to help shape and mold these young people. They have their whole lives in front of them, and it’s important to recognize the part we play on the team that helps set them on the right course.”

WINTER 2025 • 7

Legacy Senior Pass:

Your ticket to Blue Valley athletics and activities

Do you love cheering on local teams and watching a great school musical? Blue Valley Schools invites residents age 60 and older to enjoy these events free of charge with a Legacy Senior Pass. It’s the district’s way of saying thank you to community members who have supported Blue Valley students and schools through the years.

Blue Valley community members who live within the district boundaries can pick up a pass at the Blue Valley District Office, 15020 Metcalf Ave., or by filling out the form at www.bluevalleyk12.org/legacy. The Legacy Senior Pass provides free admission to regular-season home athletic events and performing arts productions, including plays, concerts and musicals. For drama productions and musicals, please call the individual school to reserve your seat.

Through the Legacy Senior Pass, Blue Valley Schools hopes to continue building connections between longtime residents and the next generation of students.

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Senior Pass Making a Difference by Supporting Public Education

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Admission

Note: Passes are not valid for Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHAA) postseason events or Eastern Kansas League (EKL) tournaments.

Mark Your Calendars!

These events are free to any Blue Valley Legacy Senior Pass holder.

Note: Please contact the school to confirm dates and times as they are subject to change. For more information and a complete events calendar, please visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/legacy.

Jan. 17, 2026

Greg House Invite Boys Swim & Dive Location: Blue Valley West, 16200 Antioch Rd. Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 20-23, 2026

KAMO Girls Basketball Tournament Location: Blue Valley North, 12200 Lamar Ave. Time: TBD

Jan. 23, 2026

Blue Valley District HS Honor Orchestra Location: Blue Valley West, 16200 Antioch Rd. Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jan. 24, 2026

Blue Valley Northwest Husky Boys Wrestling Invitational Location: Blue Valley Northwest, 13260 Switzer Rd. Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Feb. 5-7, 2026

Disney's The Lion King Location: Blue Valley North, 12200 Lamar Ave. Time: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 5; 7-10 p.m. Feb. 6; 2-5 p.m. Feb. 7 Contact Blue Valley North to reserve your seat.

Feb. 9, 2026

Orchestra Concert Location: Blue Valley High, 6001 W. 159th St. Time: 7-9 p.m.

The Green Bird play Location: Blue Valley High, 6001 W. 159th St. Time: 7-9 p.m.

Contact Blue Valley High to reserve your seat.

BLUE VALLEY SCHOOLS’ 2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Blue Valley’s legislative priorities, approved by the Board of Education, guide the district’s advocacy for students, educators and the community. These priorities ensure policies align with the district’s vision for excellence, local control and student well-being. Along with these annual priorities, Blue Valley upholds standing positions that reflect ongoing support for strong public schools. These efforts help address key challenges, allocate resources effectively and advance policies that ensure every student’s success. For more information, visit bluevalleyk12.org/legislative.

1. Establish fair and equitable school finance formula

3. Enhance safety and well-being in schools

Provide local school boards the authority to access all available options within the state funding formula to ensure equitable resources across Kansas. Blue Valley receives less state and federal funding per pupil than nearly every other Kansas district, ranking 269 out of 286 districts.

Ensure safe, healthy and caring learning environments through mental health supports, facility enhancements and secure campuses. When county budgets were reduced or eliminated, school districts picked up the services that were previously offered by communities and thus depleted available funding for lowering class sizes and increasing staff salaries. Amongst children and teens, aged 10-24, suicide has become the second leading cause of death in Kansas and the U.S.

To balance these inequities, the district supports providing expanded autonomy to all school districts to increase budget resources at the local level.

• Restructure At-Risk Funding to a reimbursement model.

• Expand the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) authority eligibility to all school districts.

• Expand the Local Option Budget (LOB) authority from 33% to 35%.

2. Fund special education as statutorily required

• Update the statute to ensure that concealed carry is not permitted on any school district campus.

• Provide funding to enhance school security outside the education budget.

• Provide funding to support student mental health and well-being.

4. Support recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff

In 2025, more than $16 million in the Blue Valley budget was transferred from the general fund to cover the funding shortfall. The amount is projected to increase to $18 million for 2026.

Attract and retain talented educators and staff through improved working conditions, competitive pay, benefits and retirement options that offset community affordability.

• Support smaller general education class sizes.

• Revise and improve the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS).

• Support increased compensation for all teachers and staff.

• Prioritize salary increases through allocation of resources into other funding streams.

• Explore solutions to rising employee benefit costs.

WINTER 2025 • 9

News & Notes District educators named Kansas Master Teacher nominees Abigail Buser, a library media specialist at Harmony Elementary, and Heather Hall, a science teacher at Blue Valley West, were selected as the district’s nominees for the 2026 Kansas Master Teacher award. The award program, established by Emporia State University in 1954, recognizes excellence in seven Kansas educators each year.

903 Blue Valley students named AP Scholars

The district is proud to share that 903 Blue Valley high school students received an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar award for tests taken during the 2024-25 school year. The test results set new district records, with 89.5% of AP exams taken receiving a score of 3 or higher, and 73.5% of Blue Valley graduates completed at least one AP course during high school. These exceptional achievements showcase students’ academic dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence.

Blue Valley lands in the top 1% nationally again Blue Valley Schools has been recognized as the top district in Kansas, securing a place within the top 1% of districts nationwide, according to Niche. Blue Valley was also recognized as the district with the best teachers and ranked among the top 1% of best places to teach in Kansas. Additionally, Blue Valley is ranked #1 in Johnson County and the Kansas City metro for all three rankings.

District educators selected as Kansas Horizon Award nominees

District educators named Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees

Madison Cundiff, a kindergarten teacher at Lakewood Elementary, and Kimberly Thompson, a social studies teacher at Blue Valley High, were selected to represent Blue Valley Schools for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year award. The Kansas State Department of Education award program honors exemplary classroom educators with five or more years of experience who are leaders in improving schools, student performance and the teaching profession.

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Maddie Carter, an interrelated resource teacher at Indian Valley Elementary, and Blaise Smith, a science teacher at Blue Valley Northwest, were selected as Blue Valley Schools’ nominees for the 2026 Kansas Horizon Award. The Kansas State Department of Education award program recognizes up to 32 exemplary educators who excelled in a manner that sets them apart as outstanding during their first year in the classroom.

News & Notes Blue Valley leads the way in Kansas with 51 National Merit semifinalists

Blue Valley Schools is proud to share that 51 Blue Valley high school students were named National Merit semifinalists, the most in any district in Kansas. This remarkable achievement reflects students' hard work and the support of Blue Valley educators and the community.

BVEF awards over $400,000 in classroom grants The Blue Valley Educational Foundation (BVEF) awarded more than 165 classroom grants totaling more than $400,000. These grants will impact thousands of students throughout the district. Since its founding 35 years ago, BVEF has granted nearly $10 million to Blue Valley schools. The majority of these grants have gone to educators to support their innovation and creativity in the classroom.

BVW students bring SRE stories to life Blue Valley West students spent five weeks in the fall turning second graders’ ideas into children's books and 3D models.

Sunset Ridge Elementary students created their own unique monsters with names and interests, and then the stories came to life. More than 70 students had a part in the exceptional educational experience through storytelling, design and collaboration.

To watch the video, scan the QR code or visit www.tinyurl.com/BVW-Stories.

Champions of Learning 2025 showcases Blue Valley’s academic excellence

Discover how Blue Valley Schools’ commitment to excellence is shaping student success in the Champions of Learning 2025 special publication. From exceeding national benchmarks to preparing graduates to navigate their future with purpose and To read the full cultivating strong literacy and publication, scan math skills, Blue Valley students the QR code or exemplify what it means to be visit www.tinyurl. champions of learning. com/BV-COL25.

Blue Valley voters re-elect incumbents, elect new board member In November, Blue Valley voters reelected Board of Education incumbents Gina Knapp and Dr. Sonya Evans to their positions. Dr. David Benson was elected

to serve as the Board of Education’s district member six. All board members serve a four-year term, which begins the January following the elections.

WINTER 2025 • 11

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