OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) – After more than 30 years in education, Blue Valley School District Superintendent Tonya Merrigan announced Friday that she is retiring at the end of the school year.

Merrigan became the district’s first female superintendent in 2020 and joined the district as a high school counselor in 1999.

“Serving the Blue Valley community has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Dr. Merrigan. “I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished together, from expanding opportunities for students to focusing on health and wellness and ensuring the success of every student. It has been a joy to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team of educators, staff and community members who are committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.”

Under Merrigan’s leadership, the district continued to be recognized as one of the top school districts in the nation.

The Blue Valley Board of Education will begin its search to select the district’s next superintendent in the coming months, it announced in a statement Friday afternoon.

Blue Valley said community and staff input will be sought in the process, with a timeline and plan to be shared in the coming weeks.

“I am confident that Blue Valley’s best days are ahead,” Merrigan said. “It’s been an incredible journey and I’m grateful for the relationships, experiences and memories that will stay with me forever.”

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