SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The new incoming superintendent for the Sioux Falls School District says he’s ready to take over the leadership role in the state’s largest school district.
KELOLAND News sat down with Jamie Nold Tuesday afternoon who outlined his vision and his goals for the school district once he takes over.
On Monday, it was announced that Jamie Nold will be the next superintendent for the Sioux Falls School District.
Today, he told us about his priorities once he takes over in July.
“There’s always going to be some changes involved anytime there’s a change in a leadership there will be some of those changes taking place, but I will tell you one thing about the Sioux Falls School District, it’s an incredible district and there’s a lot of great programming here. That’s one thing we want to continue, we are able to offer things in our district to our kids that most other districts can’t and we want to continue to be the leader in that,” Nold said.
Nold says because he’s been a part of the school district for the past 30 years, the last nine as assistant superintendent, he thinks the transition will be seamless.
“One advantage I have is the connection I have to our community and the resources I can call upon and the things that I’ve learned from the individuals who have been here prior to me,” Nold said.
Nold has been working closely with the current superintendent, and has been heavily involved in a number of issues; like adding new programs, realigning school boundaries and working closely with other agencies to provide assistance to students and their families when it comes to their mental health.
One thing Jamie Nold is opposed to is the voucher program as proposed by Governor Kristi Noem.
During her annual budget address, the governor outlined a plan to create education savings accounts, also known as school vouchers.
The program would cover about $3,000 per student annually to pay for a portion of private school tuition or curriculum for alternative education.
“The hard part about that is any time there’s a set amount of money, you add a new program in it’s going to take money from somewhere. It has to, there’s no question about that,” Nold said.
Noem didn’t propose cutting public education to fund the program, but proposed a state funding increase to public education of 1.25%.
“I’m not in favor of vouchers especially when it’s going to take dollars away from, but public education is truly where we need to invest that money,” Nold said.
As far as any new schools, Nold says his first priority will be to continue working hard to get a new middle school built in the Whittier neighborhood.
