POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Public Schools announced Wednesday that Rick Nolte, the board’s District 3 member, has died.
Nolte was elected in 2022 and was serving his first term, which was to run through November 2026.
He had been on medical leave, according to a statement from the district.
“Mr. Nolte cared deeply about the mission of public education,” said Superintendent Fred Heid. “As a former educator, he had tremendous respect for teachers and staff, and he admired their daily commitment to preparing students for bright and successful futures. I am grateful for the time I had to work alongside him, and our prayers remain with his family during this difficult time.”
Nolte taught in Orange, Polk and Hillsborough counties and was a small business owner in Lakeland. He graduated from Southern College in 1978 and received a master’s from Rollins College in 1980.
Heid said filling his board position will be addressed in the future but for is asking the community to respect his family.
Spectrum News Staff
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