Blue Valley school board member Amy Tysseling has resigned from her seat representing the northeast area of the district, prompting a search for an appointee to to serve the remainder of her term.
Why now? In a statement to the Post, district spokesperson Kaci Brutto said “the decision to resign from the Blue Valley Board of Education was a decision Amy Tysseling made for herself and her family.”
- The board discussed filling Tysseling’s seat during a workshop meeting Monday morning.
- Tysseling’s resignation occurred in late May, according to the district, and Tysseling herself was not present at Monday’s meeting.
- The Post requested comment from Tysseling through the district but as of Tuesday morning had not received a response.
What’s next? With Tysseling resigning nearly a year-and-a-half before her four-year term is set to end, the board is now looking for someone to fill her seat.
- Under current district protocol, the responsibility of appointing somebody to fill the remainder of the term through January 2024 falls to the board itself.
- The board is looking to have the position filled sometime before the beginning of next school year in August.
The candidates: According to district officials, a total of 19 candidates have applied for the open position and will undergo an interview process in order to determine who should fill the seat.
- The position is only open to Blue Valley patrons residing in the District 1 that Tysseling represented, an area which runs roughly from 111th to 151st Streets and from Metcalf Avenue to State Line Road.
Board comments: At its regular meeting Monday night, a few board members spoke of their admiration for the dedication Tysseling has shown the district win the last several years.
- “I just wanted to thank her personally for the great work she did,” at-large board member Tom Mitchell said. “[She] was a great leader who always put the best interest of the kids in the district first and foremost.”
- BV South area board member Jodie Dietz said she appreciated and will miss Tysseling’s guidance that she provided throughout the years.
Background: Tysseling was first sworn in to the board in September 2018, when she herself was appointed to fill the seat that opened up following the resignation of Pam Robinson, who moved out of state.
- Tysseling was then elected outright to the board in January 2020, and became board vice president.
- Tysseling served a one-year term as president in 2021.
- A lifetime Kansas City-area resident, she had been the co-treasurer and a PTO board member at Overland Trail Elementary prior to joining the board.
