USD 251 North Lyon County has chosen its next superintendent.
On Wednesday, the district’s Board of Education needed less than three minutes to select USD 114 Riverside Superintendent Robert Blair as its next leader.
Blair rapidly became the top candidate, according to Board Chair Matt Horton, because of his experience, willingness to be visible in the community and his upbeat attitude.
Blair was one of four finalists to interview over the last two weeks, with the list also including Olpe High School Principal Shane Clark, USD 109 Republic County Superintendent Michael Couch and USD 371 Montezuma and USD 476 Copeland Superintendent Jay Zehr. He has spent the last nine years as principal, assistant superintendent or superintendent at Riverside’s superintendent also led Wathena as principal for nine years before it merged with Ellwood to become Riverside in 2011. While Blair was superintendent, Riverside passed a capital outlay levy for facilities, transportation and technology and a separate measure for a new track and football stadium bleachers.
In a news release, Blair said he was impressed by North Lyon County’s school redesign effort as part of its student-centered approach and said he was ready “to accomplish great outcomes for the students.”
Blair and Interim Superintendent Mike Mathes will likely craft a budget before Mathes’ two-year term ends June 30, and Horton expects Blair to become increasingly visible across the district after classes end in May. Blair’s first official day is July 1. He has a two-year term. Other contract terms have not been divulged.
