The Spearfish School District has selected a new superintendent, and it’s a familiar face. The school board voted Monday night to hire Nick Gottlob, the current principal of Mountain View and West Elementary Schools. He will take over July 1, following the retirement of Superintendent Kirk Easton.
Gottlob has spent much of his career in Spearfish, beginning as a student teacher before returning in 2002. He has served as a principal at every grade level and was twice named South Dakota Principal of the Year. He is currently completing his doctorate in educational leadership.
Twenty candidates applied for the superintendent position, with five finalists interviewed by community members, staff, administrators, and the school board. Board president Ryan Niesent said Gottlob stood out for his clear vision and willingness to take on difficult decisions.
Gottlob says he’s committed to addressing challenges such as declining enrollment, high housing costs that affect teacher recruitment, and increasing political polarization around education. He also emphasized the need to support students pursuing both college and career‑technical pathways.
Gottlob will begin his new role this summer as the district continues work on long‑term planning and student success initiatives.
