By Michael Butler

“This is my last go-round,” said Tallassee City Schools superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin. “I’m looking forward to retirement.”

Nolin’s last day will be Aug. 1 of next year. He will have 25 years in education under his belt, 23 at Tallassee.

“It’s gone by in a hurry,” he said. “I did 11 years in the classroom. I started in Wetumpka at High School as an Ag teacher. I did nine more in the classroom here. I got an opportunity to go to Southside as an AP (assistant principal). (I) did that for a few years.”

At the board of education office, Nolin served as the Career Tech Coordinator and assistant superintendent before the opening to the superintendent’s position opened in 2020, the year of the coronavirus.

“I came in as a brand-new superintendent trying to figure out how to safely get everybody back in school. The Lord saw me through it.”

Nolin did not expect his path to lead him away from the classroom.

“I never had any aspirations. My favorite bible verse is Proverbs 16:9. Man makes his plan. The Lord turns his footsteps. I’ve lived by that. He’s opened doors and closed others. When you have time to reflect on your career, everything is done for God’s providence moving his kingdom forward.”

When Nolin’s time is done, the baton may be handed off to Brittany Spencer, who serves as deputy superintendent.

“I learn something new every day,” Spencer said. “I do love leading and getting the opportunity to love on our teachers and support our staff. In this role, I’m able to support all three campuses.”

Spencer has also worked in the classroom and spent two years as principal at Southside Middle School as well.

“I watched her come through high school and go through college,” Nolin said. “She does a great job. You say, ‘Figure this out.’ She’ll jump right in. That’s the kind of leader that you need.”

In Nolin’s years as superintendent, there have been several capital improvements.

“We’ve accomplished quite a bit. We rebuilt the high school, auditorium and academic center. There are some partnerships through the county. We turfed the field. The track is just about completed. We get the stripes on the track next week. I think I’ve been literally a building superintendent.

“We made progress in our report card. I can say, I’m leaving it better than we found it. That’s always been my goal.”

Nolin is 47 and has no plans to completely retire.

“I’ve got my real estate license. I’ve got my CDL driving license. I’ve got a couple of certifications in heavy equipment. I also teach adjunct at Auburn University. I’ve been doing that for about 14 years. I’ll continue doing that as long as they’ll let me.

“I’ve got one at Auburn, one at Troy and a ninth grader. I’m going to try and continue to enjoy (them) without having the stresses of everything else. “

The school year for Tallassee students begins on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Open houses on all three campuses will be from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6.