Grain ValleySchools

President

Eddie Saffell began serving on the board in 2012. He and his wife, Debbie, have lived in Grain Valley since 2004 and have one grown daughter and two grandchildren. He serves as building inspector for the City of Grain Valley. Mr. Saffell retired from Central Jackson County Fire Protection District after serving for 30 years. He is a past president of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Secretary

Jason Williams began serving on the board in 2022. Jason and his wife, Jen, have lived in Grain Valley since 2016 and have three children. Their daughter is a 2021 graduate of Grain Valley School High School, and their two sons currently attend Grain Valley Schools. Jason is the Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church in Grain Valley.

Director

Lance Pollard began serving on the board in 2023. Lance and his wife, Mandi, have lived in Grain Valley since 2011 and have five children. Mr. Pollard currently owns and operates a plumbing company and a property management company. Mr. Pollard and his family attend Abundant Life Church in Blue Springs.

Director

Dr. Julie Taylor began serving on the board in 2023. She comes to the board with over 20 years of educational experience, working in surrounding urban and suburban school districts, including seven years at Grain Valley High School, and is a professor at UMKC. She has earned several post-graduate degrees including her PhD. She currently works as an instructional coach in a local school district. Dr. Taylor and her husband have lived in Grain Valley since 2009. They have one daughter who was a 2018 graduate of Grain Valley Schools.

Vice President

Jeff Porter began serving on the board in 2022. Jeff and his wife, Mary, have lived in Grain Valley since 2016 and have three children who all plan to attend Grain Valley Schools as they become of age. Mr. Porter is Senior Project Manager for Mid-America Golf and Landscape and attends St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Blue Springs. 

Director

Jared English began serving on the board in 2018. He previously served on the school board from 2005 to 2009.  Jared also serves on the Grain Valley Park Board, the Pathways of Honor Board, and the Grain Valley Education Foundation Board. Jared and his wife Keri have lived in Grain Valley since 2000 and have two children in the district. He works in the enterprise risk management field and attends the Timothy Lutheran Church in Blue Springs.

Director

Sarah Swartz began serving on the board in 2023. Sarah is a lifelong resident of Grain Valley and Grain Valley School Class of 2002 graduate. She has one son who is at Sni-A-Bar Elementary where she also serves on their PTA. She currently works as a school counselor in the Independence School District.

To contact the school board please email [email protected]