A former longtime Sulphur Springs Union School District superintendent died late last month after a five-year battle with cancer.
Robert “Bob” Albert Nolet served as the district’s superintendent between 1983 and 2015, the year Catherine Kawaguchi took on the role, while also serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club and the Michael Hoefflin Foundation.
Kawaguchi said that Nolet was behind significant education initiatives that brought funding to the school district.
“He was also really successful … in working with the board of trustees in passing a bond measure, Measure CK, that was passed in 2012. It brought in $72 million,” Kawaguchi said. “I think that’s also something to look back on – his hard work and legacy.”
That measure paid for technological upgrades and a handful of new buildings for the district at Pinetree and Valley View Community School, including a building for students who need extra cognitive and physical support.
But Kawaguchi said that Nolet’s impact on the district was most deeply felt through his genuine care for teachers and families.
“Doctor Nolet absolutely dedicated his life, as you can see (over) 32 years … to really caring for students, staff and families, (and) he had a belief in the potential of every child,” Kawaguchi said. “He truly loved being an educator and a leader of this district.”
Nolet was interested in the priesthood before deciding to pursue education at 19, according to his obituary. When he was promoted to superintendent of Sulphur Springs, he was the youngest superintendent in the state at the time.
Nolet leaves behind his wife Gayle, a daughter, two stepchildren and six grandchildren.
