Mrs. Leah Vomhof, principal, graduated with a degree from the University of Kansas in secondary social studies education and a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. She received her school leadership endorsement from Fort Hays State University.

During her career in education, Mrs. Vomhof spent time teaching social studies to middle and high school students, working as an instructional coach, assistant principal, and high school curriculum/CTE coordinator. In 2022, Mrs. Vomhof came to BVNW to be the curriculum and instruction assistant principal.

Mrs. Vomhof became the principal at BVNW 2024 and enjoys working with and supporting an engaged and motivated Husky student population, along with supporting BVNW staff. Building relationships with students, staff, and parents is a priority for her.

Outside of school, Mrs. Vomhof enjoys spending time with her family, which includes 2 labrador retrievers. She enjoys daily morning runs, along with yoga, reading, and baking when she has time.

Go Huskies! Let’s have a great year.

Mr. Jeff Aman, associate principal of curriculum and instruction, came to BVNW in 2024 from Orono High School in Minnesota where he taught social studies, coached cross-country and eventually worked as the associate principal.  He grew up in Oregon and graduated with a B.A. in History with a Spanish Minor from the University of Portland.  After working as a Teacher Volunteer in Duran, Ecuador he fell in love with education and earned his Master's and Administrator's Certificate from the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Aman is looking forward to celebrating and supporting excellent teaching at BVNW.  He loves talking about the art and science of teaching as well as reading the latest educational research.  He is excited be a part of such an engaged learning community.  In his spare time he loves learning new skills (Cross Country skiing) and new languages (working on Italian).  He also loves cooking, running and hiking.  He moved with his family from Minneapolis to Kansas City this summer to be closer to family.  He has two daughters who love coming to high school sporting events.  Go Huskies!!!

Mrs. Kelsey Bakalar, Assistant Principal and Activities Director, holds a B.S. in Secondary Education and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas. After a 16-year teaching career, she pursued a path in educational leadership and earned an M.S. in School Leadership from Baker University. This year marks Mrs. Bakalar’s 24th year in education.

She began her career at Mill Valley High School, where she received the KSDE Horizon Award for outstanding first-year teachers and the Council for Exceptional Children General Educator’s Award for serving students with special abilities and their families. While at Mill Valley, she taught English and served as head cheerleading coach.

Mrs. Bakalar then spent 13 years at Blue Valley High School, where she taught English, launched the AVID program for the district, and sponsored activities such as cheerleading, student council, advisory, and the Tiger Mentor program. She was twice nominated by colleagues for Teacher of the Year and once for Master Teacher.

Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Bakalar developed a strong passion for supporting fellow educators as well as students. She came to recognize the broader impact she could make through school leadership. That calling led her to administrative roles, including internships at Blue Valley North and Leawood Middle School, followed by two years as Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Gardner Edgerton High School.

Mrs. Bakalar came to BVNW in 2021 and remains committed to fostering student involvement, supporting the professional growth of staff, and partnering with families. She believes that strong collaboration between school and home is essential to student success and a positive school culture.

Mr. Gary Howard, administrative consultant, received his Master’s degree from California Polytechnic State University in Educational Administration.  His undergraduate degree is in physical education from Marymount College.

Mr. Howard has worked in the Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, and Spring Hill school districts during his career, including three years at Hong Kong International School.  He is excited about this opportunity and feels very fortunate to be back in the Blue Valley School District.

During his free time, Mr. Howard enjoys working out, watching sporting events, and spending time with his family.  He and his wife Lisa have a son, Curtis, who is a sophomore at KU and a daughter, Ali, who is a senior at BVW.