The Superintendent Effect
The Superintendent Effect
The Superintendent Effect
Dr. Gillian Chapman | From Jackson Hole to Kansas City: Leading the #1 School District in Kansas
32 minutes Posted Feb 3, 2026 at 3:59 pm.
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Can human connection save our schools? Join Anne Brown for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gillian Chapman, Superintendent of Blue Valley Unified School District. Dr. Chapman explains how her district maintains its #1 ranking in Kansas through a unique blend of "real-world" professional studies and a deep commitment to student well-being.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The CAPS Success Story: How Blue Valley’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies became a national model for industry partnerships.

  • Leadership at Scale: The difference between being "nimble" in small districts and "turning the barge" in large ones.

  • Prioritizing Mental Health: Why 24/7 resources and "thought partners" are essential for today’s educators and families.

  • Introverts in Charge: How Dr. Chapman uses her introverted nature to lead with reflection and empathy.

About Dr. Gillian Chapman:Dr. Chapman is the Superintendent of Blue Valley Unified School District in Kansas. With a career spanning from paraprofessional to district leader, she is a passionate advocate for student agency, mental health resources, and the power of human connection in the classroom