Newton Municipal School District celebrated outgoing superintendent Dr. Glenda Nickson’s 35 years of service in education with a retirement reception at the Newton Depot on Thursday, where friends, faculty, and staff shared their love and appreciation for her six years of leadership at the district.
Nickson, who’s retirement goes into effect in June, led the school district in making some significant strides since taking the reins in 2019, highlighted by the district earning its first “B” accountability rating during the 2022-23 school year and maintaining it and a graduation rate that reached an all-time high of 97.3%, ranking fifth among statewide districts.
In addition to the academic progress during her term as superintendent, Nickson helped the district secure over $4 million in grant funding, which was used to enhance school programs and expand opportunities for students.
During a time of reflection at the reception, staff and faculty from each of the schools in the district, along with former board members and friends, shared their appreciation for Nickson’s positive leadership and accomplishments at the district.
Betty Lewis, Pilate Middle School principal, exclaimed to Nickson that she was excited for her next chapter in life.
“Our card says, ‘Retired and Admired,” said Lewis. “I really want to thank you for all that you have done for our school district, for N.H. Pilate Middle School, and for Betty Jean Lewis. We couldn’t have done this without you.”
Sonya Chapman, Newton High School principal, said that she had mixed emotions over Nickson’s retirement.
“The journey has been nothing but an example of wisdom, grace, and resilience,” exclaimed Chapman. “I’m glad that you’re retiring, but I’m sad to see you go.”
Jhaddaka Leverette, former member of the NMSD Board of Education, thanked Nickson for everything that was done for the children of the district.
“We can’t thank you enough for your leadership, your guidance, and for toughing it out, because there were times that we just wanted to pull out all stops.” said Leverette. “But we stuck it out together for the benefit of those children.”
After a video highlighting all the accomplishments over the last six years at NMSD, and the goals set forward for the district, Nickson took a moment to address those in attendance by leading with her well-known mantra.
“As always, it’s a great day to be a tiger”.
During her address, Nickson reflected on her six years at Newton Municipal School District, shared her excitement over what’s to come with the district with Cola Payton Shelby at the helm, and thanked the community, school board, and staff for ‘Trusting the Process’ and working together to achieve remarkable milestones.
“I’ve had the absolute privilege in feeling the unweighting support that makes our district so special. Please know that the memories we made together will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
