Nelmida named Lake Chelan School District transportation director

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan School District has named longtime employee Tony Nelmida as its next transportation director, with the appointment set to take effect Sept. 1.

Superintendent Brad Wilson announced the selection on June 23, praising Nelmida's years of service to the district and his commitment to students.

Nelmida joined the district in 2018 and has served both as a bus driver and a member of the district's maintenance and grounds team. Prior to coming to the school district, he spent many years working in the hospitality and tourism industry and, although originally from Phoenix, Arizona, has long been a resident of the Chelan Valley.

In announcing the appointment, Wilson said Nelmida's work ethic, problem-solving abilities and dedication to student safety made him a natural fit to lead the district's transportation department.

"Tony's care for our students' well-being is second to none, and we look forward to him leading our transportation department for years to come," Wilson said.

School transportation departments oversee daily bus operations, routing, vehicle maintenance coordination and the safe transportation of students to and from school and extracurricular activities.

Nelmida's experience in multiple roles within the district has helped him develop a broad understanding of school operations and the needs of students and families, something essential to a small town school transportation director.

Nelmida will assume the transportation director position Sept. 1.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media