ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Aberdeen Public School District Director of Special Education Nicole Olson has been named South Dakota’s 2026 Outstanding Special Education Director.

Olson’s award was announced Wednesday at the 2026 South Dakota Special Education Conference in Sioux Falls.

Olson was nominated by Aberdeen Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Becky Guffin, whopraised her as an exceptional leader whose work has had a profound impact across the district.

“Nicole leads with compassion and integrity, consistently demonstrating deep care for students with disabilities, the professionals who serve them, and the systems that support high-quality programming,” Guffin wrote in her nomination letter. “She is tireless in seeking alternative plans and creative solutions to ensure that individual student needs are met, even in the most complex situations.”

In an additional letter of nomination, Elementary Special Education Coordinator Brandi Eisenbeisz stated that Olson puts the needs of children first.

“She has the biggest heart for children, teenagers, and young adults who have academic, behavioral, and social challenges,” Eisenbeisz wrote. “You can see the pride on Nicole’s face when she talks about some of the projects and great things that our students with special needs have accomplished. Nicole will always go the extra mile to make sure that our students have the greatest opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.”