Valley Park School District is excited to announce that Dr. Aaron Burd will be the new Valley Park Elementary School Principal, effective July 1, 2024, replacing Dr. Jan Monroe who announced her retirement this fall.
Dr. Aaron Burd is a proven and exceptional educational leader who will bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence to his role as principal of Valley Park Elementary. Dr. Burd’s personal and professional experiences combined with his dynamic, student-centered approach to leadership, made him the ideal choice for this position.
Dr. Burd currently serves as the current Prairie Dell Elementary Principal in the Union R-XI School District and has demonstrated unparalleled leadership since opening the brand new school in July 2020. His visionary approach and commitment to student success, in addition to his approachability, relatability, and understanding of data and collaboration to foster improved student outcomes, led to his selection as the first school leader of Prairie Dell and ultimate success at the school.
Dr. Burd holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Knox College, a Masters in Educational Administration from Missouri Baptist University, an Educational Specialist Degree from Missouri Baptist University, an Educational Doctorate of Teaching and Learning from Missouri Baptist University and is pHCLE (Professional Human Capital Leader in Education) certified.
Dr. Burd has teaching experience in both elementary and middle school classrooms as well. Before becoming a school administrator, Dr. Burd taught 2nd grade in Griggsville-Perry (Illinois) for five years and middle school mathematics at Union Middle School for two years.
Dr. Tim Dilg, Superintendent, expressed his excitement about the upcoming school year with Aaron on the administrative team, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Burd to Valley Park Elementary School. He is an experienced and dynamic leader who embodies servant leadership, strives for excellence, and fosters positive relationships with students, colleagues, and families. With his extensive experience in creating safe and supportive environments of belonging and his deep understanding of best practices in teaching and learning, we are confident that Valley Park will continue to provide a learning environment where every student can reach their full potential. Dr. Burd's collaborative spirit will help deepen and strengthen our school district's collaborative spirit. We are excited to see the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to our limitless learning community.”
Dr. Burd shared the excitement, “I am extremely grateful for the honor to serve as the next principal at Valley Park Elementary. I look forward to building positive relationships with the students, staff, parents, and community and I know that through collaboration and teamwork, we can continue to support every student during their limitless learning journey. Go Hawks!”