Sioux Falls School District names new superintendent

A longtime leader in the Sioux Falls School District will serve as its next superintendent.

James “Jamie” Nold began his career in the district in 1995 as a math teacher and coach at Washington High School before becoming an assistant principal at Lincoln High School, then moving on to become principal at Washington High School.

For the past nine years, Nold has been the district’s assistant superintendent of administrative services.

Nold was selected following a “very successful call for community input coordinated by the educational leadership search firm of Hazard, Young, Attea Associates,” according to a statement from the school district.

“Survey results clearly revealed that students, staff, parents and community members wanted the next leader to be someone who understands and upholds the educational excellence of the district, knows the city of Sioux Falls and the needs of South Dakota.”

The search consultant reported to the school board that several hundred survey respondents and online meeting participants point-blank recommended the hiring of Nold, “saying they would be delighted for the opportunity to work with him in this role,” the statement continued. “The board makes this appointment with strong confidence and the firm belief that even a nationwide search would not have attracted a more qualified candidate.”

“Dr. Nold has truly been a ‘student’ of the Sioux Falls School District, rising through the ranks and learning every important detail over the last 30 years about what makes our public schools so special. The board agrees with the sentiments of staff and community leaders who advocated for Dr. Nold, and we look forward to him serving as author of the next chapter in the history of the Sioux Falls School District,” board president Carly Reiter said.

Nord describes himself as “truly humbled and honored to continue partnering with the board, our dedicated educators, staff, students and families in this new role as superintendent. Our public schools are exceptional and offer so much to meet the needs of each learner. I look forward to building on the strong foundations laid by previous administrations, including Drs. Jane Stavem, Brian Maher and Pam Homan. These leaders poured their hearts into the Sioux Falls School District and have modeled for me how continued collaboration can elevate the success of Sioux Falls students.”

Nold assumes his new position July 1, following the resignation of Jane Stavem, who has served as superintendent since July 1, 2020.

“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Stavem’s exceptional leadership and the transformative impact she has had on our district,” Reiter said. “Her achievements are many and include implementation of data-driven classroom behavior management strategies, construction of new schools, transformation of the after-school program and overall improvements in the areas of information technology and community engagement. We could not be more grateful for her service.”

The Sioux Falls School District serves 25,000 students and is one of the largest employers in the city.