SPRING HILL, Kan. - January 22, 2025 - The Spring Hill School District USD 230 is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Tyler as the new Director of Human Resources, following the retirement of Michelle Hackney, whose 26 years of service have left an indelible mark on the district.
Michelle Hackney’s Legacy of ServiceMichelle Hackney joined the district in 1996 as a teacher at Spring Hill Elementary and has since dedicated her career to shaping the lives of students, families, staff, and the broader community. Over the years, she has held both teaching and administrative roles, forming lasting relationships and fostering professional growth.
“I've experienced several full-circle moments through seeing former students come back and join our teacher, paraprofessional, custodial, and nutrition services ranks,” Hackney shared. “I've gotten to play a part in planting seeds with teachers who have gone on to become principals or noticing gifts in others and witnessing them take the next step in their careers.”
Hackney acknowledges the bittersweet nature of her upcoming retirement on June 30, 2025. “At the end of the day, I am incredibly proud of what has been accomplished and very proud of where we have come as a district,” she reflected. While retiring from Kansas public schools, Hackney remains eager to explore new opportunities where she can continue making an impact.
Looking back on her career, Hackney hopes her legacy will be one of meaningful contributions. “I hope to leave behind a legacy that I helped make USD 230 better and, more importantly, made a difference in the lives of our students, families, staff, and the community,” she said.
Eric Tyler: A New Chapter for Spring Hill SchoolsStepping into this role is Eric Tyler, a seasoned HR professional with 13 years of experience in recruitment, retention, and organizational leadership. Tyler brings a wealth of expertise from his time at Kansas City Kansas Public Schools and Altria Group Distribution Company, where he successfully led recruitment efforts, managed teams, and implemented strategies to foster growth and inclusion.
In addition to his technical skills, Hackney highlighted Tyler’s personal qualities. “In addition to a very strong skill set and great human resources experience, Mr. Tyler believes in people. Those who know him consistently share his ability to connect with others, his trustworthiness, his work ethic, collaborative spirit, and exceptional problem-solving skills.”
Tyler is excited to continue building on the strong foundation established by Hackney. “I like the community and family atmosphere within Spring Hill Schools. I admire the strategic focus on professional development to grow and develop staff, as well as the emphasis on academic development for students,” Tyler said.
With plans to focus on recruitment and retention, Tyler looks forward to making an impact. “I feel that I can make an impact by attracting the best and brightest candidates to lead Spring Hill (Schools) students. I will bring innovative ideas and solutions to retain classified and certified employees, ensuring a supportive and fulfilling career environment,” he explained.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Link Luttrell expressed confidence in Tyler’s ability to continue advancing the district’s mission. “Eric’s expertise and enthusiasm for cultivating a positive and innovative work culture make him the perfect fit for this role. His vision aligns with our commitment to excellence in education,” Luttrell said.
Hackney shares this confidence, adding, “Mr. Tyler will bring new energy, ideas, partnerships, and perspective to USD 230. It makes leaving much easier for me knowing that the department and district will be in such good hands.”
The Spring Hill School District remains dedicated to providing a supportive and innovative environment for both students and staff. The district looks forward to the continued growth and success of its educational community under Tyler’s leadership.
About Spring Hill Schools
Spring Hill Schools is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education. Serving more than 4,000 students across ten schools, the district prioritizes preparing learners for a bright and prosperous future.
Media Contact
Company Name: Spring Hills (USD 230)
Contact Person: Stephanie Neiger
Email: Send Email
Phone: 913-592-7258
City: Spring Hill
State: Kansas
Country: United States
Website: www.usd230.org
