People

James Nold

After three decades of leadership within South Dakota’s Sioux Falls School District, James Nold will now serve as the district’s next superintendent effective July 1.

In 1995, Nold arrived in the district as a math teacher and coach at Washington High School. From there, he became assistant principal at Lincoln High School where he later served as principal. For the past nine years, Nold has been the district’s assistant superintendent of administrative services. Based on a communitywide survey conducted during a leadership search by Hazard, Young & Attea Associates, community members of all ages vocalized the desire for a superintendent who values the community’s success, and several hundred respondents explicitly recommended hiring Nold.

“The Board agrees with the sentiments of staff and community leaders who advocated for Dr. Nold,” said Carly Reiter, board president in a district statement. “We look forward to him serving as author of the next chapter in the history of the Sioux Falls School District.”

In his new role, Nold will focus on collaborating and elevating the Sioux Falls community, including both staff members and students, and continuing to build on the success of his predecessor Jane Stavem, who had served as superintendent since July 2020.