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 is honored to be stepping into the principal role at BVNW for the 24-25 school year and looks forward to 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, comes to BVNW 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, earned her B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Kansas. She then went on to earn an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, also from the University of Kansas. After a 16 year teaching career, she decided to pursue administration, and earned an M.S. in School Leadership from Baker University. This will be Mrs. Bakalar’s 23rd year in education. 

Mrs. Bakalar began her career at Mill Valley High School, where she was awarded the KSDE Horizon Award, which recognizes first year teachers, and the Council for Exceptional Children General Educator’s Award. She taught English and served as the head cheerleading coach while at MVHS. She then spent 13 years at Blue Valley High School as an English teacher and piloted the AVID program. She sponsored activities including cheerleading, student council, advisory, and the Tiger Mentor program. While at BVHS, she was nominated twice by the staff for the Teacher of the Year and once for Master Teacher. 

A passion during her teaching career included serving/supporting other teachers, in addition to serving students. She grew to see that she could support students on a much larger scale at the administrative level. It was these experiences that motivated her to return to school herself. After earning a degree in School Leadership, she served as an administrative intern at Blue Valley North and Leawood Middle School. She then spent two years as the assistant principal and activities director at Gardner Edgerton High School. As an administrator, she is committed to providing opportunities for students to be connected at school and to supporting staff growth. She is entering her fourth year serving the BVNW community.

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.