Homegrown leader: Erik Wilson tapped to lead Norfolk Public Schools as Superintendent
A dedicated alum and nine-year Army National Guard veteran with over 25 years of educational experience has been named the district’s new leader.
NORFOLK, Neb. — The Norfolk school board chose former science teacher and current Associate Superintendent of Finance and Facilities Erik Wilson, to be Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent.
Wilson says he never expected to be outside the classroom once he got into education, but wants to stay a familiar face among students.
“I want to be a superintendent that the kids know who their superintendent is, that they can have meeting with our student leadership groups and they can share their concerns and they can share the things their proud of in our district, and that their voice matters,” said Wilson.
Wilson credits the way he leads from working beside his peers in the community for almost 30 years.
“You can complain or you can step up and do something about it. If you’re not liking the way things are going, and so I have stepped up to help out and help drive our district forward,” said Wilson.
But he says that without the guidance of longtime NPS employee Robert Beeson, his career path might have looked very different.
“I was trying to find my path, and I wanted to make a difference in the world, what can I do to make a difference? And Bob’s like, ‘Be a teacher. It’s the greatest job there is. You get the summers to get outside and get away, and then when fall hits, you’re like, all right, I’m ready to go back to the classroom,’” said Wilson.
He later became a teacher and administrator, learning to appreciate summers much like his students do after the fast-paced school year.
Wilson says receiving the job offer was a funny story, as it came during an especially busy day.
“I got the call to go talk to the board president and vice president, so I went and met with them. It was an amazing experience and a great opportunity, but I told them I only had 15 minutes because I had to meet with an engineer on a roofing project we’re working on. So it was just fast and furious,” Wilson said.
Wilson starts as Superintendent July 1st.