Dr. Nicolas Wade

Dr. Nicolas Wade is Superintendent of Columbia Union School District in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. With experience across multiple states and collaborating with over 30 board members, he drives impactful change by fostering partnerships that improve student outcomes, support staff, rebuild trust, and cultivate innovation. Under his leadership, districts have realized measurable gains in academic achievement, expanded programming, improved enrollment and attendance, balanced budgets, and completed strategic capital projects. He actively engages in professional and local communities, serving on the National Center for Education Research and Technology, the Google + GSV Education Innovation Fellowship, and the California School Boards Association Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Dr. Wade and his teams have presented at national and regional conferences on strategic planning, instructional technology and AI, college and career readiness, and community engagement. His work has been recognized for excellence in financial leadership, social-emotional learning, and innovative programming. Dr. Wade believes that with clear expectations, intentional communication, and ethical decision-making, any district can achieve national-caliber outcomes that best serve students, families, and staff.