USD 262 - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Titles: Teacher
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Academic Affairs
Mrs. Soellner joined the Valley Center district administrative team in July of 2019 and has a total of 28 years in education. Prior to joining the district administrative team, Soellner was the principal of Wheatland Elementary School here in Valley Center. Her experiences also include being an assistant principal at McCandless Elementary and a Curriculum Specialist both with Hutchinson Public Schools. Additionally, Soellner was a Professional Development provider at ESSDACK and taught 13 years in two different districts.
Her primary responsibilities as the Executive Director of Academic Affairs include Instruction, Curriculum, Assessment and Professional Development.
Soellner earned her Bachelor's Degree in Math Education from Emporia State University; her Master's in Teaching from Friends University; a Master's of School Leadership Pre-K - 12 from Baker University; and her district-level license from Wichita State University.
Her family includes her husband, Ron, and daughter, Abigail. She enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as crafting and reading.
Job Titles:
- Titles: Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Titles: Pre - K Speech Therapist
Job Titles:
- Titles: Learning Support Teacher
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
Amy is responsible for sharing the stories of the district's schools, teachers, students, staff, and achievements, using a variety of communication tools. Amy updates and maintains the district website, shares news and information on social media, is the first point of contact for members of the news media, develops publications, and works to increase engagement within the Hornet family. She has a degree in Mass Communications, over 20 years of experience in non-profit communications, and received certification in the Kansas State University Digital Marketing program in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Human Resource / Administrative Assistant
Andrea is the newest addition to the AVSEC staff. Her responsibilities include onboarding new hires, maintaining the state Categorical Aid Personnel system for AVSEC, acting as the clerk for the Superintendent's Council and Special Education Advisory Council, answering/directing phone calls, and tracking Para Inservice Hours. Prior to working in the District Office, she worked just over four years as a para in Mixed Abilities classrooms at the Intermediate and Middle Schools. She has more than10 years of experience working in an administrative role at a spa and an area church, and has worked for over 10 years managing fireworks stands during the summer. When she's not working, she enjoys cooking, making cake balls, baking, reading, writing, traveling with friends, and spending time with family.
Job Titles:
- Titles: Mixed Abilities Teacher
Job Titles:
- Titles: Mental Health Liaison
Job Titles:
- Titles: Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Titles: Math Learning Support Teacher
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Titles: Online Learning Facilitator
Job Titles:
- Academic Support Coordinator
Mrs. Deas earned her Bachelor of Arts Secondary English Language Arts from Wichita State University in 2011 and her Masters of School Leadership from Baker University in 2014. She has worked in education since 2011 and in a school leadership position since 2016. She joined Valley Center School District in 2011. Her professional license endorsements include Secondary English Language Arts 6-12 and School Leadership PreK-12.
Job Titles:
- HR Administrative Assistant
Serving as the assistant superintendent's administrative assistant, Carla handles the human resource responsibilities including processing applications and new hires, teacher licensure, substitute teachers, FMLA and unemployment. Carla has been with the district since 2007.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Principal / Activities Director
Mr. Wilmott earned his bachelor's degree in secondary mathematics and his master's degree in building leadership from Wichita State University. He was previously a math learning support specialist and head bowling coach at Valley Center High School. Prior to being hired at USD 262, Mr. Wilmott taught math at Andover High School and has coached football, basketball, baseball, and bowling in both the Valley Center and Andover school districts.
Job Titles:
- Titles: Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Titles: Mental Health Liaison
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Education
Having been with the district since 2001, Debbie has worked at both the building and district office level. She is currently the payroll clerk and responsible for tracking pay, hours, and leave for all district employees.
Debra prepares, inputs, and retrieves student information as well as supports and facilitates the Medicaid process from beginning to end. She has worked in the MIS/Medicaid Clerk position previously for four years. Debra started her career as a paraprofessional in preschool. She transitioned to assisting with tele-health services and that led her to the MIS/Medicaid position.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- District Office Administrative Assistant / Receptionist
Desirae is the district office administrative assistant/receptionist and assists callers and visitors to the district office. She also assists the Executive Director of Academic Affairs. Desirae has been with the district since January 2018.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Titles: Teacher
Eric Flaton earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Kansas, a master's degree in teaching from Pittsburg State University, and his license in leadership from Newman University. Mr. Falton was previously the principal of Winfield High School from 2019 to 2023, assistant principal and activities and athletic director at Chanute High School from 2017 to 2019, and taught English Language Arts, and was the head girls basketball coach at Pittsburg High School from 2015-2017.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Titles: I.S. Teacher
Job Titles:
- Locations: Transportation
After graduating from Valley Center High School in 1996, Mr. Lehr received his bachelor's degree in education from Kansas State University in 2002, his master's degree in school leadership from Baker University in 2008, and his district-level licensure from Emporia State University in 2020.
Mr. Lehr has broad educational experience. He began his teaching career as a teacher and coach at Garden City High School from 2002 to 2004, was a teacher and coach at Hesston High School from 2004 to 2005, and was a coach and teacher at Newton High School from 2005 to 2010. In 2010, Mr. Lehr rejoined the district he graduated from when he became assistant principal of Valley Center Middle School. From 2013 to 2022, he was principal of Valley Center Intermediate School. In 2022, he briefly left USD 262 when he was selected as Superintendent of Schools for USD 439, Sedgwick Public Schools. During his time at Sedgwick, Mr. Lehr had been involved with a $13.8 million bond project, developed a strategic plan, and updated business and employee systems. He has also served on the Ark Valley Special Education Cooperative's Executive Board alongside the superintendents from the Burrton and Valley Center school districts.
Job Titles:
- Titles: EC Facilitator Community Based
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- HEAD
- Physical Education
Job Titles:
- Titles: Adaptive P.E. Teacher
Job Titles:
- Titles: Behavioral Health Liaison
Job Titles:
- Titles: Industrial Technology Teacher
Job Titles:
- Titles: Assistant Mechanic
Mrs. Orr earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 2007, her Masters of Curriculum and Instruction from Wichita State University in 2010 and a National Board Certification for Literacy: Reading-Language Arts in 2018. She began her teaching career in Valley Center in 2007, and has been a proud Hornet ever since! Her professional license endorsements include Middle School Social Studies, Reading Specialist, ESOL and School Leadership PK-12. Mrs. Orr is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Educational Psychology through Wichita State University.
Job Titles:
- Titles: Behavioral Health Liaison
Job Titles:
- Titles: Mixed Abilities Teacher
Job Titles:
- Assistant Principal
- Director / Principal of the Learning Center
Mr. Hipp earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education from Kansas State University in 1992 and then his master's degree in building leadership from Wichita State University in 2000. He has worked in education since 1992 and in a school leadership position since 2000. He joined Valley Center School District in 2009. His professional license endorsements include General Science 7-12, Building Administration 7-12, Mathematics 7-12, and Building Leadership PreK-12.
Kimberly Baldwin earned her bachelor's, master's, and specialist in education degrees in psychology from Pittsburg State University. Ms. Baldwin was previously the assistant principal at Wichita Southeast High School. She has also worked as a school psychologist for Kansas schools, including Wichita Public Schools.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Principal / Post Secondary Programs Coordinator
Mrs. Allen earned her bachelor of arts Secondary English Language Arts from Wichita State University in 2011 and her masters of school leadership from Baker University in 2021. She has worked in education since 2011, and she joined Valley Center School District in 2017. Her professional license endorsements include Secondary English Language Arts 6-12, English for Speakers of Other Languages PreK-12, and School Leadership PreK-12.
Laurie is the Special Education Compliance Clerk for Ark Valley Special Education Cooperative and joined the Valley Center team in July 2021. She is a California native that was looking for a change of pace. She has over 20 years of experience working in education. She takes care of reviewing IEPs for accuracy, ordering supplies, Early Childhood Screening appointments, processing Special Education referrals, and Initial Evaluation paperwork. She and her husband Kevin have three daughters: Abigail 22, Emily 10, and Samantha 4. In their spare time they enjoy exploring Valley Center and Wichita.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Titles: Youth Horizons Teacher
Job Titles:
- Titles: ELA Learning Support
Job Titles:
- Titles: Kindergarten Teacher
Job Titles:
- Locations: Transportation
Job Titles:
- Special Education Coordinator
Mandy received her bachelors degrees in psychology and human development and family life, as well as her education specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Kansas. Mandy has been a School Psychologist for 22 years, with 20 of those years being in Valley Center. In addition to her role as School Psychologist, she has served as a mentor to school psychology interns and practicum students, been a mentor to special education teachers, participated on many district and building leadership teams, and has served as an educational advocate. She has also done many workshops and presentations on the topic of Dyslexia and currently serve as the Communications Director on the Kansas Association of School Psychologists board. Mandy lives with my her husband, her 14 year-old, and their dog in Maize.
Job Titles:
- Ark Valley Special Education Cooperative
- Special Education Director
Mandy has worked with the Valley Center School District since 2013 as a school psychologist and Instructional Coach. She is currently in a new role as Special Education Director with the Ark Valley Special Education Cooperative. Prior to coming to Valley Center, Mrs. Henry served as a School Psychologist for the Blue Valley School District and as a School Psychologist and Special Education Coordinator for the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education in Salina, KS.
Mrs. Henry pursued a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and an Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology at the University of Kansas, along with a building level leadership license at Ft. Hays. Her family includes a husband, Justin, a 17-year-old daughter, McKenzie, and a 15-year-old son, Brent. She enjoys attending sporting events and playing pickleball.
Mr. Hoy earned his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Friends University in 1996; Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Friends University in 1996; and his Master's degree in School Leadership from Friends University in 2001. He has worked in education since 1997 and in a school leadership position since 2007. He joined Valley Center School District in 1997. His professional license endorsements include Elementary K-9, Building Administrator K-9, and Building Leadership PreK-12.
Job Titles:
- Director of Food Service / Wellness
Molly is the Director of Food Service and started working for the district in 2011. Molly's duties include overseeing the operation of National School meal programs-breakfast, lunch and Summer Food Service Program. Prior to joining Valley Center, she served as a Food Service Director in the private school sector. Molly has a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Wichita State University.
She lly Thomas
Job Titles:
- HEAD
- Titles: Mixed Abilities Teacher
Mr. Grummert earned his Bachelor's in Elementary Education from McPherson College in 2008, his Master of Arts Education from Baker University in 2011, and his Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University in 2016. He has worked in education since 2007 and in a school leadership position since 2015. He joined the Valley Center School District in 2020. His professional license endorsements include Elementary K-6, ESOL and Building Leadership PreK-12.
Mrs. McClaran earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1997, her Master's in Instructional Technology and her building leadership endorsement from Fort Hays State University. She has worked in education since 1997 and in a school leadership position since 2018. She joined Valley Center School District in 2019. Her professional license endorsements include Elementary K-6, Mathematics 6-12, and Building Leadership PreK-12.
Mr. Reed grew up in Wichita and graduated from Heights High School. He graduated from Newman University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and a minor in biology. In 2004, he graduated from Baker University with a master's degree in school leadership. He completed his District Level License in 2012 from Fort Hays State University.
Mr. Reed was previously the Superintendent of Schools for USD 332 in Cunningham, Kansas. Prior to that, he was the K-8 principal in Anthony, Kansas, for six years. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. Reed worked in USD 259 Wichita Public Schools as a science teacher and football and wrestling coach at North High School. He also taught at Heights High School and Maize Complete High School.
Job Titles:
- Titles: Instructional Coach
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent / BOE Clerk
Sara is the administrative assistant for the superintendent, board clerk, answers phone calls/questions, handles workman's comp issues, and school lunch program applications. She's been with the district since 2008.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Education
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Titles: P.E. Teacher
Job Titles:
- Titles: Learning Support Teacher
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Board of Education
Job Titles:
- Titles: Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Titles: Teacher
Susan is the Director of Finance and started working for the district in 2001. Before joining the district she spent 20 years in banking where she was the VP & Trust Operations Officer. At Valley Center, she is responsible for overseeing all the aspects of the Business Department including accounts payable, payroll and the budget. She also serves as the District's Insurance/Benefits Coordinator. Susan has a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Fort Hays State University.
Job Titles:
- Titles: Occupational Therapist
Job Titles:
- Titles: K - 2 Literacy Specialist
Job Titles:
- Titles: Food Service and Custodian
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Alexander earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Seward County Community College, her Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Friends University, and her Master's Degree in Human Resources Management from Fort Hays State University. She is a Society for Human Resources Management-certified professional.
She has extensive experience in human resources and expert knowledge of employment regulations, benefit providers, and internal system management. She is skilled in staff management, training and development, leadership, employee relations, legal compliance, benefit administration, payroll administration, and employment investigations. She was most recently a senior human resources consultant with HR Consulting of Kansas, LLC.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- HEAD
- Physical Education