Nolan died Thursday, resigned in December

WILSON CREEK — Former superintendent of the Wilson Creek School District Bob Nolan passed away Thursday from cancer.

Nolan had been with the school district since 2000 and resigned in December due to failing health.

"He gave 100 percent all of the time," said WCSD interim superintendent Lloyd Olson.

Olson is serving in the position of superintendent until a replacement can be found.

The school district is taking applications for the position from January until March 3, and conducting interviews March 6-10.

Lloyd said if the interview and selection process goes smoothly the new candidate will be announced April 10 and begin work July 1.

"They'll have to really look hard and find the best qualified people," Olson said, as recruiting employees to work in a small town can often prove difficult.

Olson commented that Nolan was regarded by his colleagues as someone who made an effort to be present in the community, going to student sports games, concerts and greeting them at the bus drop off.

Those are qualities the school board hopes to find in the new candidate for superintendent; someone to be visible in the community and work with the limited resources available.

Small districts are required to meet the same standards as larger districts and provide for the needs of all its students, such as those enrolled in special education programs, Olson said.

School board chairman Paul Friend commented that during Nolan's tenure, technology and curriculum were two areas which he worked particularly hard to improve.

Friend described Nolan as a superintendent who was fair, taking time to look at both sides of an issue and what was best for students.

"As a board member it was easy to make a decision on something after he gave his input as we knew he thought it out well," Friend said.

"He cared about kids," Olson said. "This guy just wanted to know them, be with them and support them."