Jerald VanRheen will be the new Activities and Athletics Director for the School District, effective in July. The Board approved the hiring at its March 20 meeting.
VanRheen comes to the district from the Blue Valley School District, where he has been the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kan., since 2021. Earlier, he was an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Mill Valley High School for six years in De Soto, Kan. Before that, he was a teacher and coach in the Gardner Edgerton School District.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work in the Ray-Pec School District,” VanRheen said. “I look forward to meeting and serving students and staff in the Ray-Pec community.”
Chief of Staff Dr. Al Voelker said that VanRheen has a great understanding of the impact of activities and athletics on students.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jerald VanRheen as our new Director of Activities and Athletics, whose extensive experience, dedication, and passion for student success make him an outstanding addition to our district,” Voelker said.
VanRheen received his Bachelor's Degree from Emporia State University in Physical Education and Psychology. He earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.
VanReen and his wife, Amy, live in Western Shawnee. They have two children, Elly, a student at Kansas State University, and Acy, a junior at Mill Valley High School.