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Polk County School Board Member Rick Nolte, 69, has died.
Nolte was in his first term representing District 3, which includes 23 schools in Alturas, Bartow, Lakeland, Mulberry and Winter Haven. He had been on medical leave since January.
Nolte was elected to the school board in 2022, with an endorsement from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Mr. Nolte cared deeply about the mission of public education,” Superintendent Fred Heid said in a news release. “I am grateful for the time I had to work alongside him, and our prayers remain with his family during this difficult time.”
“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.”
superintendent fred heid
Nolte earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Florida Southern College in 1978 and a master’s degree in administration-supervision from Rollins College in 1980.
Before being elected to the school board, Nolte was a teacher in Orange, Polk, and Hillsborough counties. “As we grieve his passing, we also honor his example of servant leadership,” Heid said.
Nolte also owned Nolte’s Golf, a custom golf club business in Lakeland.
Following the 2022 election, it was determined that Nolte had accepted cash donations above the limit allowed by campaign-finance law. He was fined $1,250 by the Florida Elections Commission. Ultimately, State Attorney Brian Haas decided not to prosecute.
Moving Forward
Nolte’s term would have ended in November 2026.
“We understand that Mr. Nolte’s passing raises questions regarding how this important position on the School Board will be filled,” Heid said.
“This will be addressed in the near future. For now, we ask our community to join us in honoring Mr. Nolte’s life and his service while respecting the privacy of his family during this time of loss.”
Florida law says the governor has the power to appoint someone to fill the remaining 14 months of Nolte’s term.
Three candidates had previously filed to run for District 3 in 2026: Sarah Corona of Lakeland, Judi New of Lakeland and Victor Sims of Winter Haven.
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