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Blue Valley community members have a unique opportunity to engage with both the Board of Education and Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), the national search firm leading the district’s superintendent search, on Jan. 16 from 6-7 p.m. at Community Connections.

HYA representatives will meet with community members in person to better understand the qualities and leadership traits our community values in the next superintendent. This important discussion is part of the broader Community Connections event, which also offers an informal, round-table conversation format to discuss topics of interest with Board of Education members.

A sign-up is available for patrons who have questions for board members, but no sign-up is required to attend. More information about Community Connections with the BOE is available on the district’s website.

The Kansas Legislature is officially in session. As the 2025 session gets underway, families can familiarize themselves with Blue Valley’s 2025 legislative positions. It is the district’s priority to support legislation that is beneficial to Blue Valley students:

The Blue Valley School District supports full state funding for all excess costs of special education services.

Why it matters: Each year, Blue Valley redirects up to $13.7 million from its general fund to cover excess special education costs. This funding is essential to ensure that students with special needs receive the specialized services and support they require. However, without full state funding to cover these excess costs, the district faces challenges in maintaining adequate resources for all students. Full funding for special education would allow the district to allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that every student—regardless of their needs—continues to receive the high-quality education and support they deserve.

The Blue Valley School District opposes public funding of private schools, including the offering of public tax credits to taxpayers for tuition payments to private schools, which do not comply with the same standards and requirements of public school districts.

Why it matters: This stance is rooted in the commitment to uphold consistent standards and requirements across all educational institutions. Private schools are not held to the same accountability and standards as public schools. Diverting public funds to private schools reduces resources available for public school students. This could lead to larger class sizes, reduced programs and less support for students in Blue Valley, threatening the high-quality education families expect.

The Blue Valley School District supports an increase in the base state aid, with automatic annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index and supports modifying the current formula to include poverty factors and additional indicators such as data related to ELL (English Language Learners), student academic performance, attendance, foster care, juvenile justice and homelessness, all of which will help to meet the needs of these underserved student populations.

Why it matters: A fair and equitable funding formula ensures that schools can address the diverse needs of students, including those in poverty, ELL students and others facing unique challenges. Without these changes, underserved populations in Blue Valley may continue to face barriers to success.

The Blue Valley School District supports an expansion of community-based behavioral and mental health initiatives. Further, the Blue Valley School District supports expanding the criteria for the statewide school-based mental health grants to include providers outside of the county health departments who reside in the school buildings.

Why it matters: Addressing students’ mental health needs improves academic outcomes, attendance and overall well-being. If funding and resources are not expanded, schools may struggle to meet the growing demand for mental health support, leaving students and families without critical assistance.

The Blue Valley School District supports the continued review of options to enhance certified staff recruitment and retention, including the use of Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) incentives to retain current employees. The district urges the state of Kansas to continue to meet its responsibility to fully fund KPERS without placing additional financial burden on local school districts or employees. Additionally, the district supports the ongoing efforts in developing alternative teacher certification processes and any legislative actions to achieve an alternative certification system while maintaining high standards.

Why it matters: Kansas is facing a teacher shortage and retaining talented educators is critical to maintaining Blue Valley’s high standards. Without action, classrooms may face understaffing, and students may miss out on the quality education they deserve.

For more information regarding the latest legislative discussions occurring in Topeka, contact information for Johnson County legislators and the district’s complete list of 2025 legislative positions, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/legislative.

The Blue Valley Board of Education invites you to share your input as we search for our next superintendent! Your feedback will help shape the Leadership Profile, guiding us in selecting a leader who reflects our community’s values and aspirations.

🗓️ Take the Superintendent Search Survey by Friday, January 17, 2025: www.tinyurl.com/BVSearch2025

For more information and updates, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/superintendentsearch.

The proposed 2026-27 school calendar was introduced at the Jan. 13 Board of Education meeting. The board will vote on the calendar at the February board meeting.

Significant dates included in the proposed 2026-27 school calendar:

• First day of school - Aug. 13

• Fall Break - Nov. 23-27

• Winter Break - Dec. 21-Jan. 5

• Spring Break - March 15-19

• Tentative Graduation Ceremonies - May 15-16

• HS only finals - 1/2 day May 21, 24 & 25

• Last day of school - May 25 for grades K-11

• Memorial Day - May 31

To view the proposed 2026-27 calendar or to subscribe to the district calendar, go to www.bluevalleyk12.org/calendar. Questions or comments regarding the calendar should be sent to bvinfo@bluevalleyk12.org.

Our #BVUnmuted series continues with Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan joined by School Board President Gina Knapp, Vice President Jan Kessinger and Chief Financial Officer Jeremy McFadden to discuss priorities in the upcoming legislative session.

🎙️ To listen to the podcast episode, visit www.bit.ly/BVPriorities.

The Blue Valley Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday, January 13. Highlights included annual enrollment and demographic presentation and recognizing student and staff accomplishments.

Check out other moments from the meeting in this month’s board brief.