Community Profile: Tracy Sappenfield

In this week’s Community Profile, we introduce Tracy Sappenfield, who works in Human Resources for Grain Valley Schools.

What drew you to working in the Grain Valley School District?

Years ago, we moved our family to Grain Valley because we wanted our kids to experience living in a smaller town atmosphere with more opportunities than a bigger school district.

I had been driving to Kansas City for years to work and I just wanted to be closer to home. And not deal with that traffic every day! I thought working for the school district would be a great choice because it is a job that is always here and needed and would be rewarding. Plus, I could see my kids participating in things I might have otherwise missed.

What's the most enjoyable part of your role?

I began with the district in 1999 and throughout my 20 years of service the most enjoyable part of my job has always been being able to help people (employees and the public) in any way I can.

I have to say it has gotten harder to remember names because we have grown so much (and I’m older of course). I used to know who was in which school and what grade/subject they taught. I think we had a little over a hundred employees when I started, and we have over 600 employees now!

What has been key to the longevity you've had in your position?

Well I think it is a combination of things. First, I took a cut in pay to work closer to home but my reward has been the days we get off when the students are off. Most corporate businesses don’t have that. The snow days that we have means we don’t risk our life getting to work when the weather is so dangerous. Those are enough reasons to stay, but I also feel devoted to the district especially after all of these years.

What are you proudest of in our community?

I do feel proud of this community and the school district. I think people have worked hard together to improve the area and our schools! So, I am proudest of all our schools and our support staff, teachers, and principals.

Tell us about your family.

I am a proud mother of two daughters who both graduated from Grain Valley Schools.

My oldest, Kara, in 2001 and my youngest, Emily, in 2004. They both live and work in Colorado and both have children.

Kara has an almost 10-year-old son Gavin. Emily has a 3- year-old daughter Halleigh. I love being a mom and grandma! I love to travel to visit

What do enjoy doing when you are not at work?

When I am not traveling, I love to paint, read, do yoga, and hike. And so I can do those things more often, I will retire December 2021!

Grain Valley resident Tracy Sappenfield enjoying time with her them as often as I can. children and grandchildren. Photo credit: Tracy Sappenfield