fall 2026
Wolf Springs Middle opens its doors BVEF invests in teachers’ futures Back to school in Blue Valley
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15020 Metcalf Overland Park, Kansas 66283
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BLUE VALLEY SCHOOLS
15020 Metcalf Ave. P.O. Box 23901 Overland Park, KS 66283-0901
A message from the
SUPERINTENDENT There’s something special about the first day of school in Blue Valley. It’s the energy in our hallways as students reconnect with friends, the sound of shoes on the floor as students make their way to class and the anticipation of what a new school year will bring. Since the first day of school, I’ve seen students asking questions, making connections and challenging themselves in new ways. These moments remind me why we are here. In year two as superintendent, I continue to listen, learn and engage. It’s clear that our community believes deeply in our schools and wants us to protect the exceptional opportunities our students have while preparing them for their future. To do that, we must confront our challenges. Since 2011, school districts have compensated for the Kansas Legislature’s failure to fund special education at 92%, as obligated by state law. Last school year, Blue Valley transferred $18.9 million, or approximately $1,400 per student, from its general fund to cover that shortfall. The transfer of funding to cover the special education gap impacts all students’ opportunities and experiences. I’m often asked, “Blue Valley is doing great. Why do you need more money?” Blue Valley is doing exceptionally well, and our students are achieving, because we have worked to protect the student experience from the effects of the shortfall by using reserves and identifying efficiencies. We can no longer continue to absorb the state’s funding gap without impacting more opportunities for students. That is why Blue Valley joined other Johnson County school districts in the 2
Kansas Public School Funding Coalition to advocate for our students and adequate special education funding. We are also finding ways to work differently. Our new feeder support model is one example. By putting support closer to schools, we will strengthen relationships and provide more consistent access to expertise for students, staff and families. And we are looking ahead to Bond 2027. As we celebrate the completion of Bond 2023 projects, we are grateful for a community that has invested in maintaining excellent facilities. Planning for the next bond will continue that commitment to asset preservation while exploring innovative spaces and opportunities that prepare students for high-demand fields and an ever-changing workforce. Excellent schools are an investment not only in our students but also in the strength of the entire community. They contribute to strong neighborhoods and property values. They prepare the future educators, healthcare professionals, skilled tradespeople, first responders, entrepreneurs and community leaders we all depend on. Our greatest asset has always been our children. Our responsibility is to protect what makes Blue Valley exceptional while preparing them for what comes next.
Dr. Gillian Chapman Superintendent
913-239-4000
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. David Benson Jodie Dietz Dr. Sonya Evans Patrick Hurley Jan Kessinger Gina Knapp Clay Norkey
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‘The key that opened the door’ Foundation scholarships help paraprofessionals become teachers When Kimberly Woirhaye-Reid started working as a paraprofessional at Prairie Star Elementary in 2007, becoming a special education teacher wasn’t necessarily her long-term plan. She was transitioning from a career in TV news and looking for more stability for her family. But through working with students, understanding their behaviors and learning challenges, something shifted. “I really enjoyed getting to know students, figuring out what they needed and finding ways to help them be successful,” she said. Her path eventually led her to become a job coach, and she saw firsthand the importance of preparing students for life after high school. She found joy in helping students develop real-world skills, build independence and recognize what they were capable of achieving.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY Empowering Exemplary Educators & Staff
“BVEF is proud to support this initiative and invest in the power of the Blue Valley community,” said Susan Tideman, BVEF’s executive director. “We are not only helping 10 dedicated paraprofessionals achieve their goal of becoming special education teachers, but we are also investing in people who already know and care deeply about our students.” The program gives participants a way to continue learning while stepping into their new role as a special education teacher. After completing initial coursework, they can begin leading a classroom while completing their graduate program, gaining experience along the way.
Now, Woirhaye-Reid is a special education teacher at Blue Valley North, thanks in part to a Blue Valley Educational Foundation(BVEF) scholarship program. In 2023, Blue Valley partnered with BVEF to help build a strong pipeline of special education teachers by investing in paraprofessionals already serving Blue Valley students who wanted to take the next step in their careers. BVEF committed $131,000 to fund 10 scholarships of up to $13,100 each for eligible Blue Valley special education paraprofessionals pursuing teaching licenses. Since 2023, two teachers have earned their degrees and seven others are working toward theirs.
“The Blue Valley Educational Foundation scholarship was the key that opened that door for me,” Woirhaye-Reid said. “I am incredibly grateful that Blue Valley and BVEF invested in me and gave me the opportunity to become a special education teacher. It changed the direction of my career and allowed me to do something I had been considering for years.” The impact reaches beyond filling positions. It creates opportunities for educators to grow their careers within Blue Valley while students benefit from educators who already know their schools and communities. “Knowing that Blue Valley believed in me and invested in my future makes me even more committed to investing in my students,” Woirhaye-Reid said. “I want them to know that someone believes in them, sees their potential and is willing to help them reach it.”
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Welcome to
the den Wolf Springs Middle opens as Blue Valley’s newest school Most students remember their first day of middle school. Few can say they were among the first students to ever walk through the doors of a new one. For Wolf Springs Middle students, August 13 marked more than the beginning of a new school year. It was the beginning of a new community. “I’m really lucky and excited to be part of the first eighthgrade class at Wolf Springs Middle,” said Gavin Soppe, a Wolf Springs Middle eighth grader. “I’ll always remember being the first graduates.” As students entered the building on the first day, they were immediately greeted by a larger-than-life coyote graphic on the wall. The coyote’s bold lime green eyes offer an unmistakable introduction to their new home. The school’s identity continues as students make their way toward their grade-level pod spaces, known as dens.
Before arriving, they pass through a common space where the Wolf Springs creed is proudly displayed in large letters.
Community. Respect. Encouragement. Environment. Dedication. These words offer students a glimpse of the culture they will help build at their new middle school. “I’m excited to watch our students create traditions that future Coyotes will look forward to for years to come,” said Courtney Domoney, Wolf Springs Middle principal. “Whether it’s singing the school song, cheering ‘Go Yotes!’ at activities or building new traditions we haven’t even imagined yet, our students will shape the identity of Wolf Springs.”
STRATEGIC PRIORITY Advancing Academic Excellence & Exceptional Student Experiences
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While students are creating the identity of Wolf Springs, the building itself was intentionally designed to support how they learn, connect and grow. Wolf Springs Middle, which serves families residing in the southwest area of Blue Valley’s district boundaries, was constructed as part of Bond 2023, a voter-approved $251.25 million no-tax-rate-increase bond referendum that allowed the district to create safe, innovative and future-ready learning environments for all students. “What a gift to have a specially designed facility where kids’ hopes and dreams can grow and flourish,” said Dr. Gillian Chapman, Blue Valley Schools superintendent. “It’s such a thoughtfully designed school centered around team collaboration.” The open-concept school features several spaces where students will have the opportunity to learn, grow and collaborate. A common space that is used as a cafeteria during the school day can easily be transformed into a performing arts space for students and the community in the evening. A library in the center of the building features movable bookshelves that allow the space to adapt for different learning experiences. Soppe said his favorite space in the building is the pre-engineering classroom. One unique feature is visible overhead, where utility pipes were intentionally painted different colors during construction I’m excited to watch to help students identify the building systems around them and connect our students create classroom lessons to real-world traditions that engineering. For Soppe, the opportunity future Coyotes will to work on projects and use the tools available in the space is what he is look forward to for looking forward to most.
years to come.
These spaces were created using COURTNEY DOMONEY feedback from other Blue Valley middle Wolf Springs Middle principal school students who shared insights about how they learn best. Rather than traveling across the building between classes, students in the same grade remain primarily within a centralized area designed to create opportunities for learning, collaboration and connection. Domoney said the student feedback is reflected in flexible learning spaces designed to foster collaboration while giving each grade level its own sense of belonging. “The design encourages connection and collaboration in ways that are harder to achieve in a traditional layout,” Domoney said. “Flexible learning spaces and movable walls allow teachers and students to come together for crosscurricular experiences, while still maintaining the close-knit feel of smaller learning communities.” Domoney said she hopes students, like Soppe, leave Wolf Springs Middle knowing they grew as learners, leaders and individuals, and that they built something special. “Years from now, I'll remember all the excitement and positivity that's come along with getting to be the first to do so many different things at the new school,” Soppe said. “Being the first players to put cleats on the football field, the first to read the new library books and the first 8th grade class to graduate from Wolf Springs Middle School.”
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Blue Valley
Goes Back to School
The first few weeks of a new school year are filled with moments big and small — reconnecting with friends, meeting new teachers, settling into new routines and discovering what the year ahead may hold. Across Blue Valley schools, students and staff kicked off the 2026-27 school year with plenty of smiles, energy and excitement. Take a look at some of the moments that marked the start of another year of learning, connection and opportunity. For more back-to-school highlights, scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/BVBackToSchool.
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NEWS & NOTES Annual Report celebrates Blue Valley’s 2025-26 achievements
Blue Valley’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights the students, staff and initiatives that brought the district’s new strategic plan to life. Explore student and staff achievements, district accolades, Blue Valley By the Numbers and more. To read the annual report, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/Annual-Report-25-26.
Blue Valley high schools named to 2026-27 Best High Schools list
U.S. News & World Report ranked all five Blue Valley high schools among the top six in Kansas and the top 5% of high schools nationwide. This recognition reflects Blue Valley’s continued commitment to academic excellence and exceptional student experiences. It also speaks to the dedication of the district’s educators and staff, who create rigorous, engaging learning opportunities that help students grow, achieve and prepare to navigate their future with purpose.
Area school districts select legal counsel for funding coalition
The Kansas Public School Funding Coalition, formed by Blue Valley Schools, De Soto School District, Olathe Public Schools and Shawnee Mission School District, selected Lathrop GPM as legal counsel as it considers action to hold Kansas accountable for adequately funding public education and meeting its special education obligations. The firm was chosen for its experience in school finance and education litigation. Learn more at www.bluevalleyk12.org/KSCoalition.
Blue Valley earns a top Kansas employer honor again
For the eighth 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 recognition reflects Blue Valley’s commitment to creating a supportive and healthy work environment where staff members feel valued and empowered to thrive. Their dedication, expertise and care strengthen district schools, advance academic excellence and create exceptional experiences for students. To discover what makes Blue Valley an award-winning district, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/hr.
Bond 2023 investments make lasting impact across Blue Valley
Blue Valley Schools completed projects included in Bond 2023, marking the culmination of a $251.25 million no-tax-increase bond approved by more than 70% of voters in January 2023. The community’s investment supported improvements in facilities, technology and safety across the district, including the opening of Wolf Springs Middle and improvements to more than 300,000 square feet of facilities. To watch the Bond 2023 completion video and explore the impact across Blue Valley, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/bond.
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Cultivating lifelong learners prepared to navigate their future with purpose