Dear Blue Valley Families and Community, 

Recently you learned about some significant news for our district. Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan has made the decision to retire at the end of this school year. For over 26 years, Dr. Merrigan has been a devoted leader in Blue Valley Schools, beginning her journey with us as a high school counselor in 1999 and becoming our first female superintendent in 2020. 

Dr. Merrigan’s impact on our district has been profound. Under her leadership, Blue Valley has seen remarkable progress in key areas like student health and wellbeing, attracting exemplary educators and expanding opportunities for student success. Her commitment to our students, staff and families has helped ensure our district’s continued excellence. 

As we prepare for this transition, the Board is committed to finding a leader who will build on Dr. Merrigan’s legacy. A timeline and plan moving forward will be shared in the coming weeks. Your feedback will be an invaluable part of the process as this board makes one of the most important decisions entrusted to us. 

On behalf of the Board of Education, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Merrigan for her dedicated service and countless contributions. She has truly made Blue Valley a better place for our students and community. 

Thank you for your ongoing support during this important transition. 

With appreciation, 

Gina Knapp
President, Blue Valley Board of Education

Blue Valley community, 

Blue Valley Schools has long been a district defined by its commitment to excellence, innovation and collaboration. As we plan for the next chapter in our journey, the Blue Valley Board of Education is focused on one of its most important responsibilities: hiring the district’s next superintendent. This leadership transition comes at a time of strength for our district, and we are committed to finding a leader who will continue building on the remarkable foundation in place.

After reviewing proposals and interviewing national and local firms specializing in superintendent searches, the Board selected Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to assist us in recruiting and screening the most qualified candidates. HYA’s expertise and extensive network will ensure we explore every avenue to find the best leader for Blue Valley Schools.

The perspectives of our students, families, staff and community are essential to this process. We look forward to sharing more in January about the timeline and opportunities for community involvement.

For updates and more information, please visit the Superintendent Search webpage.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. The Board is confident that this process will result in a leader who will honor our district’s strengths and help us achieve new milestones for the success of all Blue Valley students.

With appreciation,

Gina Knapp
President, Blue Valley Board of Education

Blue Valley community,

Thank you for your thoughtful engagement in the search for our next superintendent. Your input through the community survey and small group discussions has been invaluable in shaping the Leadership Profile that will guide the Blue Valley Board of Education as we move forward in this important process.

The Leadership Profile reflects the qualities and competencies our community values most, including:

• 
  A Culture of Trust and Empathic Leadership: Building and maintaining a culture of trust rooted in empathetic leadership and collaboration.

• Future Forward Post-Secondary Readiness: Advancing innovative learning experiences that prepare students for success beyond high school.

• Operational Excellence: Balancing academic outcomes with operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

• Personalized Learning: Championing unique learning journeys for each student, with comprehensive care and special education support.

• Community and Business Engagement: Strengthening partnerships and advocating for district excellence through community connections.

• Education Visionary: Leading inclusive initiatives while maintaining high academic standards and staff support.

With the leadership profile established, the superintendent position has officially been posted, and the Board is actively working in partnership with the national search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to identify top candidates. We remain on track to select a new superintendent by late spring.

We invite you to stay connected and informed throughout this process by visiting the Superintendent Search webpage for ongoing updates and key information.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Blue Valley Schools.

With appreciation,

Gina Knapp
President, Blue Valley Board of Education