When Curtis Nightingale was told he was a finalist for the superintendent position at Nickerson-South Hutchinson School District, he was not told he would have to give an impromptu speech.
But when he stood before a small group of teachers and principals from the district at Reno Valley Middle School, no one would have noticed that his talk was unrehearsed. Having been a construction worker, law enforcement officer, musician, teacher, mayor and principal, Nightingale is comfortable in front of crowds.
With degrees in education and leadership, including two master's degrees, Nightingale set a high bar. He explained that as a principal he tries to promote a level of trust and transparency from the beginning.