Highland County Schools name Augusta's director of transportation as superintendent
Nycum confirmed the appointment to The News Leader in an email. The Highland County School Board had a called meeting Aug. 4 to make his appointment official.
"Dr. Nycum expressed interest in serving as our division superintendent and came highly recommended by his peers and supervisors," Jason Wilfon, chairman of the Highland County School Board, said in an email. "Nick has some existing ties to the county, so he has a pretty good familiarity with the uniqueness associated with our county and community."
Highland County Public Schools consists of just two schools, an elementary (preschool through fifth grade) and a high school (sixth through 12th grade) and both are housed in one building in Monterey. It is the smallest school division in Virginia. According to the school division's website, Highland County Schools has a total of 212 students.
Highland's previous superintendent, Drew Maerz, announced his retirement in June, leaving the school board without much time to find a successor. They believe they found someone qualified to take over the role in Nycum.
"I personally have no existing history with Dr. Nycum, but on first impressions his quick ascension through leadership roles within the educational profession at such a young age speaks volumes in his ability to demonstrate leadership, commitment, and personal drive that I believe will benefit our division greatly," Wilfong said. "I am excited and am looking forward to working with Nick in serving both our staff and students."
Nycum was named executive director of transportation for Augusta County in April 2023. Prior to that he was the principal of Stuarts Draft High School for eight years. His appointment in 2023 came with a little pushback. School board member Tim Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, voted against the recommendation, saying he didn't know enough about Nycum's background to convince him he's make a good director of transportatiion.
"I'm not OK with rubber stamping these approvals without any background," Simmons told The News Leader at the time.
Nycum's exit comes just days before the start of a new school year in Augusta County. Transportation is among one of the biggest challenges schools face in the first few days of school. Nycum's job was posted in Augusta County on Aug. 1.
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Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta County Schools' Nick Nycum new Highland County superintendent
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