INCOMING SUPERINTENDENT

  • The Blue Valley Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gillian Chapman as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. She will officially begin her leadership on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan.

     

    Dr. Chapman brings a student-centered approach to leadership, a deep understanding of district operations and a strong belief in public education as a foundation for thriving communities. With nearly a decade of experience as superintendent in Teton County, Wyoming, she is known for building cultures of trust, empowering staff and advocating for innovative, future-ready learning environments.

     

    “In Dr. Chapman, we found a leader who embodies the vision, values and voice of our community,” said Gina Knapp, Board of Education president. “Her experience building cultures of trust, driving academic and operational excellence and championing innovative, student-centered learning makes her the right person at the right time for Blue Valley. The Board is confident Dr. Chapman will lead with empathy, purpose and a deep commitment to preparing students for their future. We are grateful for the community’s partnership throughout this process and proud to have selected a leader who reflects our district’s high expectations and shared aspirations.”

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Meet Dr. Chapman

Dr. Gillian Chapman is a dedicated, student-centered leader who currently serves as superintendent of Teton County School District #1 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a position she has held since 2015. With more than 25 years of educational leadership experience, she brings a proven track record of championing student-centered innovation, developing staff recruitment and retention programs, leading strategic planning efforts and overseeing facilities and infrastructure growth.

 

Before her time in Wyoming, Dr. Chapman served for 21 years in the Shawnee Mission School District, including 10 years in district-level leadership and seven years in building-level leadership. Throughout her career, she has built strong, collaborative relationships with staff, families and community partners, always centering her work around what’s best for students.

 

She was honored as the 2023 Wyoming Superintendent of the Year and has held state and national leadership roles, including serving as president of the Wyoming Association of School Administrators from 2021-2022.

 

Dr. Chapman earned a Bachelor of Arts from Pepperdine University, a Master of Science in education from the University of Central Missouri and a doctorate in education from Saint Louis University.

 

Known for leading with clarity, compassion and a deep belief in the potential of every learner, Dr. Chapman is honored to join a district where students are at the heart of every decision. She shares Blue Valley’s commitment to academic excellence, personalized learning and strong community partnerships, and looks forward to listening, learning and building meaningful relationships as she partners with the community to support every student’s success in school and life.

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