Our school board is steadfast in its mission to inspire and challenge students through diverse opportunities. Members strive to have a profoundly positive impact on each student’s adult quality of life, brought about by their individual and collective educational experiences.
By setting strategic goals, overseeing policy implementation, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, our board members work tirelessly to support the success and well-being of all students in the Burlington Community School District.
You can reach the school board by emailing directors@bcsds.org.
Meet the Directors
Anika McVay
Term expires 2027
Board President
Anika is a Burlington native and graduated from Burlington High School in 2002.
She and her husband, Matt, who works in BCSD’s maintenance department, have two children who attend Burlington schools.
She has served on PTOs and was a room mom for seven years before she first was elected to the school board in 2019. She enjoys visiting schools and helping with special events and activities, such as band and sporting events.
“I wanted to serve as a Board of Directors to give back to my community, and the district I graduated from,” Anika said. “I enjoy supporting our students in their education endeavors. It’s an honor to work with our staff as they make an impact not only in students’ education but their personal lives, too. I’m proud to be a true Grayhound. I have always said if you can make a lasting impact in one person’s life, then you were successful.”
Darven Kendell
Term expires 2025
Board Vice President
Darven is the manager of Des Moines County Regional Waste Commission. Prior to that, he worked for nine years as the job developer for persons with disabilities at Hope Haven Development Center.
He is a Burlington native, and he and his wife, Lara, are both graduates of Burlington High School, where Lara now teaches English. Darven also is a graduate of Western Illinois University. They have two children, both of whom are also BHS graduates.
“Burlington has so many positive attributes, and our school system is one of those,” Darven said. “As a public school district, we pledge to work collectively to educate anyone and everyone, welcoming students from all demographics, and I value being a part of that energy.”
Tammy Anderson
Term expires 2027
Tammy is an office coordinator for the Public Works Department.
She is a Burlington native and Burlington High School graduate. After high school, she earned a degree from Southeastern Community College in 1987, after which she began working for the city.
Tammy and her husband, Dayman, have three children across three building levels in BCSD. She has served on Black Hawk’s PTO and serves on the School Improvement Advisory Committee.
“I am committed to helping this district be a great place for all students to learn and grow,” Tammy said.
Bryan Bross
Term expires 2025
Bryan is an engineer, geologist, vice president and branch office manager of Klingner & Associates. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering and a master’s degree in Geotechnics.
He and his wife have lived in Burlington since 2004 and their two children are Burlington High School graduates.
“I’ve always served because I felt like I was doing something positive for our students and the community as a whole,” Bryan said. “On top of that, I get to learn a great deal about something that is completely different than the career I’ve chosen. I take my role as a school board director very seriously for the benefit of our community now and into the future.”
Christi Burghoffer
Term expires 2027
Christi is a stay-at-home mother of four children and helps to organize the after-school program at the Maple Leaf Center, tutors high school students and does in-home tutoring for elementary students.
She is a 2011 graduate of Grand Canyon University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She worked as a paraeducator and special education teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom.
She began utilizing BCSD’s Home School Assistance Program at the start of the pandemic. Prior to that, her children attended Burlington schools in person.
“I have loved being able to bring a unique perspective, especially in regards to our HSAP and what an incredible asset this is to our district,” Christi said. “I have also loved building relationships, trust, and rapport with our teachers, staff, and families.”
Deborah Hatteberg
Term expires 2027
Deborah taught for 33 years in Burlington schools. Since retiring, she has continued to direct the Shoquoquon Children’s Choir, mentored new teachers, accompanied choirs, volunteered in classrooms, and worked as a substitute teacher.
She has lived in Burlington for more than 40 years, and is in her third term serving on the school board.
“I care about kids and believe that a quality education is one of the most important gifts that we can give our children,” Deborah said. “I have been involved with the BCSD since my early twenties as a teacher, parent, mentor, substitute teacher, and volunteer. As a school board member, it is my privilege and honor to continue my service to this community and school district that have supported me for so many years.”
William Vance
Term expires 2027
William served for six years in the U.S. military and holds a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in global security from Arizona State University.
He and his wife have lived in Burlington since 2011, and their two children attend Burlington schools.
“The role of a school board member is to ethically and conscientiously participate in the leadership and administration necessary to help conduct the crucial business of education,” William said. “Their role is also to be aware of conditions in schools, both by visiting the schools and by listening to teachers and other staff, in order to lead and enable education from an informed perspective.”
