Rick Nielsen Appointed New Superintendent of Nebo School District

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Mr. Rick Nielsen, the current assistant superintendent for the past two years, has been appointed by the Nebo School Board of Education as the Superintendent of Nebo School District. Mr. Nielsen was the elementary director for four years, Rees Elementary principal for one year, Art City Elementary principal for four years, Westside Elementary principal for two years, and he previously taught sixth-grade for six years at Timpanogos Elementary.

"Rick Nielsen is a strong and successful leader who has the desire and ability to develop strong educators. He has the amazing talent to foster relationships with people and genuinely cares about students as well as teachers. Rick has the ability to make everyone feel valued and works to help them develop their individual talents through encouragement and by providing development opportunities," said Dean Rowley, Board President.

Mr. Nielsen comes highly qualified and has numerous awards including Human Resource Developer of the Year Award by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals in 2003. He also received the Rookie Principal of the Year Award by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. However, Mr. Nielsen’s most valuable talent is his focus on students.

"Rick understands the business of education and recognizes students as its primary focus. He works effectively to provide the best possible education for our students and supports the individuals hired to contribute to that effort. He respects individual ability and encourages personal initiative. He recognizes the increasing role of technology in all aspects of education and encourages its use to improve instruction, communication, and operation. Rick is one of the best leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. Leadership comes naturally to him. It has been wonderful to be under his supervision," stated Dale Bills, Technical Services Supervisor.

Rick enjoys coaching soccer and basketball as well as reading, golfing, and his many church responsibilities. He is the son of Clyde and Norma Nielsen of Spanish Fork and the son-in-law of Denis and Christine Poulsen of Mapleton. Rick and his wife, Karen, reside in Spanish Fork with their five children.

Attributions
By Lana Hiskey, Public Information Officer