North Olmstead Associate Principal Joe Nicklos will be the next principal at Green High School. He will replace retiring Gary Geis, effective Aug. 1.

Nicklos, an educator for 27 years, was selected from a final list of four candidates. He was evaluated by three committees of school personal, community members and students. Their recommendations were then used by the administration to make their selection.

"Joe is highly enthusiastic and community oriented," stated Superintendent Dr. Wade Lucas. "It will take a special person to replace Gary Geis but Joe is the one. He will take us into a new era."

Nicklos began his career at Lake Catholic High School as a social studies teacher. He also coached football, wrestling and softball. He returned to his alma mater, Trinity High School, to teach social studies and coach football and wrestling. At Brooklyn High he taught and then spent 14 years in the guidance department.

He began his administration career at North Olmstead as an assistant and associate principal.

"As the associate principal at North Olmstead, I was responsible for curriculum, special education, testing, guidance, hiring, daily operations, staffing issues and liaison between the school and parents," Nicklos said.

"He has a nice blend of guidance, teaching, special needs and administration," said Assistant Superintendent Linda Martin. "He is a high energy person and very student-centered."

"I believe in working together to solve a problem,” Nicklos stated, "not looking for someone to blame. Collaboration is critical in education. It is important that we have a vision in education and need to constantly strive to improve ourselves.

"I am a people person. I take a lot of pride in building relationships with people I have contact with," he commented. " I enjoy my career and believe that we have the most important job in the world. As educators we must understand how important we are in the lives of young people."

Nicklos is married and has three daughters and two stepsons. His wife works at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in case management. Four of his children are in college and one is just starting high school. One of his daughters is pursuing a ballet career and recently danced with the visiting Russian Ballet troupe in New York.

Green Board President Bob Campbell heartily welcomed Nicklos to the Green family. The board voted unanimously to give him a two year contract.