After a night of interviews and deliberation, the Nome Board of Education chose the district’s newest superintendent: Shawn Arnold, the man who has been the interim superintendent since his predecessor resigned in December.
Arnold arrived in Nome last July as the district’s director of human resources and special programs. He brings to the job more than 20 years as an educator in Alaska. His was chosen over just one other candidate, Anvil City Science Academy principal and teacher Todd Hindman.
“I’m really excited to continue serving,” Arnold said upon being selected for the job. “I’ve been here in Alaska for most of my life … I’m just really excited about the future here in Nome.”
The school board unanimously voted to appoint Arnold and expressed enthusiasm about continuing to work with him in improving education for Nome’s youth. Citing cultural inclusion, literacy, career readiness, and partnerships with other school districts as his goals, Arnold said there’s work to be done, but he’s excited by all the potential.
“You know I look at this position with a lot of optimism,” he said. “I see a lot of positive things in this community. It’s one of the most welcoming communities I’ve ever been to in Alaska and maybe even the world. And I’ve never felt more connected and more at-home with a community as I have here.”
The board will vote to approve Arnold’s contract at their next regular meeting in February.
