PRESS RELEASES
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Two Blue Valley students named U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalists
Two exceptional Blue Valley seniors, Kevin Li and Soumya Takalkar, have earned notable recognition as semifinalists in a prestigious national program. Li and Takalkar are among seven other Kansas students named semifinalists for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars program.
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U.S. News names all Blue Valley high schools to 2024 Best High Schools list
Each of our five Blue Valley high schools has secured a place in the top 10 on U.S. News' Best High Schools in Kansas list. This achievement is even more impressive as all five high schools rank among the top 10% nationwide.
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Superintendent, Dr. Tonya Merrigan, recognized by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and their “Strengthen Our Sisterhood” initiative
Dr. Tonya Merrigan was honored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for their “Strengthening Our Sisterhood” initiative. For more than a century, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s sisterhood has served as the foundation for the sorority. The “Strengthening Our Sisterhood” initiative fosters fellowship, respect and shared goals, all aimed at serving others for the greater good.
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Superintendent, Dr. Tonya Merrigan, completes AASA National Superintendent Certification Program
Dr. Tonya Merrigan is among more than 30 superintendents, nationwide, to successfully complete the School Superintendents Association’s (AASA) National Superintendent Certification Program. The certification process is spread over 20 months and is tailored for superintendents who have been in the job for seven years or fewer or those seeking to refresh their skill set. The forums, seminars and coaching provide opportunities to define and examine issues that surface in real-life situations.
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Bre McGranahan named 2024 Kansas Master Teacher
Congratulations to Blue Valley educator, Bre McGranahan, for being named a 2024 Kanas Master Teacher. Emporia State University established the Kansas Master Teacher awards in 1954. The awards are presented annually to seven teachers across the state who have served the profession long and well and typify the good qualities of earnest and conscientious teachers.
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Blue Valley secures #1 Spot in Kansas and Top 1% nationally in 2024 Niche rankings!
Blue Valley has been recognized as the #1 school district in Kansas and placed in the Top 1% nationwide. The district was also named the best place to teach in Kansas and the district with the best teachers in Kansas. These rankings reflect the dedication of the district’s outstanding students, staff, administrators and supportive families. Together, we have maintained our commitment to academic success, community engagement and a collaborative workplace.
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Blue Valley leads the way in Kansas with 56 National Merit Semifinalists
Blue Valley School District is thrilled to announce an extraordinary milestone in academic excellence that sets the standard for educational achievement in the state of Kansas. With an astonishing 56 high school seniors recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, Blue Valley continues to be the undisputed leader in the state's educational landscape, accounting for a remarkable 39% of all National Merit Semifinalists in Kansas, the most in any Kansas school district.
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Blue Valley commits to train 900+ employees in Mental Health First Aid, first in-house training set for Sept. 5
In response to growing demands for mental health support for students in our community, Blue Valley has embraced Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) a program that equips individuals to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Blue Valley’s 17 certified MHFA trainers are set to conduct the first of many training sessions on Sept. 5, 2023.
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Blue Valley Schools recognized as one of Kansas’ top employers
Blue Valley Schools was named to the 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Employers list, ranking in the top five among all Kansas employers. Blue Valley ranked fifth, making this the fifth year the district has been named among the top 10 employers. Forbes began in 2019 naming America’s best employers by state.
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Blue Valley issues first bonds from 2023 referendum, refunds bonds saving taxpayers $2.1 million
On Monday, June 12, the Blue Valley Board of Education issued the first bonds from the 2023 bond referendum passed by district voters on January 31, 2023. Blue Valley registered voters approved a $251,250,000 referendum that will invest in facilities, technology and safety and reimagine learning environments and programs that will benefit students and staff for years to come.
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Two Blue Valley North seniors receive national recognition
Two Blue Valley North seniors are among an elite group of high school seniors. Elizabeth Rushing Place and Luke Wen-Tsu Chen were among only 161 students named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars. Both Place and Chen plan to attend Harvard this fall. The program recognizes the nation’s most distinguished high school seniors for their academic success, artistic excellence, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.