NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board met in a special session Thursday and appointed Curtis Nightingale as the new superintendent.
Board President Dan Schweizer says that Nightingale emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the School District.
“The Board is certain in our choice of Mr. Nightingale and confident that under his leadership USD 309 will continue to be recognized as a student centered district," Schweizer said. “The input from the community and staff as a whole was very helpful to our process.”
Nightingale currently serves as the junior high/high school principal in Twin Valley USD 240 in Bennington. He is in his fifth year. Previously, Nightingale served as an assistant principal/activities director for 10 years at Pratt High School. He replaces Dr. Dawn Johnson, who becomes executive director of human resources for Hutchinson USD 308 this summer.
“Curtis is amazing, he’s very strong, he’s got a great background,” board member Jay Mitzner said following the meeting. “I can’t say enough about him. He interviewed exceptionally well.”
Mitzner says Nightingale's ability to communicate was one of his strong suits.
“He seems to have the ability to work well with everybody, but very assertive. I think he’s going to be a good fit for the district, good leader,” Mitzner said. “He emphasized good communication with the board and also the faculty.”
The district has seen a lot of division over several matters, including the failed bond issue. Mitzner, who was just recently appointed to the board, hopes changes are coming.
“I think having a full board obviously is the first step,” Mitzner said. “The district seems to have been split and it seems like we’re reaching out and things are starting to heal slowly.”
Nightingale was chosen over current Central Plains Superintendent Greg Clark. They were the only two finalists interviewed. Nightingale will begin his new duties July 1. He’ll earn an annual base salary of $120,000.
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.