Blue Springs School District

 Jill Hertzog of Blue Springs South High School is the April Employee of the Month. She is in her fourth year with BSSD and her 16th year in education. She teaches College Algebra, College Stats, and College Pre-Calculus at BSSHS. Jill serves as a Grow Your Own Teachers mentor and sponsors National Honor Society. Jill began “Staff Nights Out” by organizing times when staff join together to attend and support students in various activities. 

South principal Dr. Ryan Gettings said, “Mrs. Hertzog is such a positive influence. She works very hard to be the very best in the classroom that she can be. It is obvious that students enjoy being in her classroom and that she can break down the barriers that may exist with students and their confidence in learning math. Mrs. Hertzog also sees the importance of the impact she can make outside of the classroom by taking the lead with our National Honor Society and organizing ‘Staff Nights’ at many of our events throughout the year. The South community is blessed to have such a positive and compassionate educator!” 
 

 Jill Hertzog of Blue Springs South High School is the April Employee of the Month. She is in her fourth year with BSSD and her 16th year in education. She teaches College Algebra, College Stats, and College Pre-Calculus at BSSHS. Jill serves as a Grow Your Own Teachers mentor and sponsors National Honor Society. Jill began “Staff Nights Out” by organizing times when staff join together to attend and support students in various activities. 

South principal Dr. Ryan Gettings said, “Mrs. Hertzog is such a positive influence. She works very hard to be the very best in the classroom that she can be. It is obvious that students enjoy being in her classroom and that she can break down the barriers that may exist with students and their confidence in learning math. Mrs. Hertzog also sees the importance of the impact she can make outside of the classroom by taking the lead with our National Honor Society and organizing ‘Staff Nights’ at many of our events throughout the year. The South community is blessed to have such a positive and compassionate educator!” 
 

The March Employee of the Month is Chris Engler, who serves as the Maintenance Supervisor in his 25th year with the Buildings and Grounds Department. 

Director of Buildings and Grounds Seth Shippy said, “I can’t begin to tell you how valuable Chris Engler is to the Blue Springs School District. If you don’t know him personally, you have undoubtedly seen him in your building or his white truck patrolling your campus. The truth is, he knows more about our district’s facilities than anyone. As the maintenance supervisor, he oversees our district’s maintenance staff, responds to after- hours facility emergencies, keeps our fire and elevator equipment certified, and the list goes on and on. Chris takes more calls in a day than Pizza Hut! 

“He is in constant communication with building custodians, administrators, and community members. Chris is the kindest, most dependable, hardworking guy I have ever worked with. His dedication to the BSSD is unmatched, and I feel blessed to work with him each day. In my opinion, there is nobody more deserving of this honor.” 
 

Jennifer is a registered nurse from the Health Services Department who supports several elementary and middle schools. She is a CPR and Stop the Bleed instructor. Jennifer attends 504 meetings and covers the clinic positions when a sub is unavailable. She also serves as a mentor to new nurses and is known for her patience and approachability. In addition, Jennifer oversees the department’s medication counts and audit processes and leads the annual vision screenings, growth and development, and kindergarten enrollment processes. 

Jennifer brings a sense of calm in all situations, working tirelessly to build strong relationships with families and students. Her ability to navigate challenging conversations with peace, care, and kindness is truly commendable.

Principal Kerri Edwards said of Jennifer, “Her kindness, flexibility, and ever-present smile significantly enhance the well-being of our school community. We are always grateful for the support and compassion she shows.”