SPS promotes director to deputy superintendent

Photo provided by Springfield Public Schools

Nicole Holt starts in her new position on July 1.

Last edited 12:02 p.m., Feb. 6, 2020

Springfield Public Schools promoted Nicole Holt, the district’s director of learning development, to deputy superintendent of academics.

Holt is scheduled to start in her new position on July 1, assuming the responsibilities of Stephen Kleinsmith and Kent Medlin, the district’s outgoing interim co-deputy superintendents of academics, according to a news release.

“Dr. Holt's selection is the result of a national search for a leader with the unique combination of experience and passion for our students, our district and our community. At the conclusion of our search, it was clear that Dr. Holt is the right person,” SPS Superintendent John Jungmann said in the release. “She knows our district exceptionally well; is committed to developing, leading and supporting opportunities for students of all backgrounds; and has demonstrated the ability to unite and inspire educators around our district's shared mission and goals."

In her new role, Holt will oversee all academic departments, including elementary and secondary education, learning resources and innovation, special education and English language support services. She’s slated to earn an annual salary of $165,000, said district spokeswoman Teresa Bledsoe.

Holt has spent her entire career at SPS. Prior to her appointment as director of learning development in 2018, Holt was principal of Sherwood Elementary for three years, principal of Holland Elementary for six years and a teacher at Robberson Elementary for five years. Holt last year was the facilitator for an equity and diversity council tasked with recommending ways to better serve underrepresented student populations, according to the release.

“I am passionate about working collaboratively across our system and larger community to meet the needs of all students,” Holt said in the release.

Bledsoe said the deputy superintendent of academics is a new title for a position that was filled in the interim by Kleinsmith and Medlin. Mike Dawson held the comparable position of chief learning officer before exiting for a new job last year.

SPS also employs Carol Embree as deputy superintendent of operations. She originally planned to retire this year, but has committed to stay on through the 2020-21 academic year, Bledsoe said.