A beloved educator’s commitment to students will continue for generations through a new fund at the Scott County Community Foundation. Established by Miss Nass, the Kristin M. Nass Education Fund honors her 41-year career in education and will support special projects at Scott County School District 2.
Born in Omaha, Neb., Nass is the oldest of four children. She moved to Ames, Iowa during high school and graduated from Ames High School in 1978. Her early interests included swimming, golf and architecture. Throughout high school, she taught swimming lessons, worked as a lifeguard and coached the city’s swim team.
Nass enrolled at Iowa State University, majoring in architectural design while continuing to coach the swim team.
“I really loved coaching kids and it became apparent that teaching/coaching and architecture were not compatible career paths,” shared Nass. This led her to a new major of health and physical education and a new teaching career in Grinnell, Iowa.
After 11 years in Grinnell, Nass received a phone call from Dr. Chuck Thompson, then superintendent at Scott County School District 2. He was seeking a new principal for William H. English Middle School.
“His goal was to hire a bold rookie, unrelated to anyone in Scott County, who might work at a minimal salary!” joked Nass.
The school board hired her as principal in the spring of 1995. She served for seven years at William H. English Middle School, followed by another 18 years at the renamed Scottsburg Middle School. She shared highlights during her administrative tenure that included designing and building the new middle school in 2002, helping to launch several regional and state digital initiatives, memorizing the names of every student in her care, and hiring incredible staff members.
She retired as principal in 2020, but has joked that she did a bad job at it. She was back as a substitute teacher for a year, and then as the SCSD2 Program and Grant Manager for four additional years, before retiring again in June 2025.
Her service extended beyond the school district. Nass volunteered with the Indiana State School Music Association, the Scott County Partnership, the Scott County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee, and several state-level technology committees. Away from work, Nass enjoys traveling, reading, watching sports, and spending time with her 15 nieces and nephews.
Recently, Nass has focused on time with family and friends following a diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic cancer affecting her pancreas, liver and lungs. She expressed gratitude for the care provided by Hosparus of Southern Indiana and shared that, sustained by her faith and the love of those closest to her, she knows she is heaven-bound.
Through the Kristin M. Nass Education Fund, her dedication to students and teachers will endure. The permanent fund will help teachers provide unique learning opportunities that might otherwise go unfunded through traditional sources. Beginning in 2029, SCSD2 teachers serving preschool through grade 12 may apply. Grants will support proposals that most closely reflect Nass’ guiding leadership philosophy: “Know your people, love your people, and challenge your people!”
“We are honored that Kristin has chosen to give so graciously to students through the Kristin M. Nass Education Fund,” said SCCF Executive Director Jaime Toppe. “To know Kristin is to love her, and the impact she has made on thousands of students, their families and fellow educators is immeasurable. She has spent her career caring for children, and that same care will give teachers opportunities to inspire students for generations to come through this fund.”
Contributions in Miss Nass’ honor may be made online at scottcountyfoundation.org, mailed to Scott County Community Foundation, PO Box 25; Scottsburg, IN 47170, or delivered to the office at 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg.
The Scott County Community Foundation helps donors turn their generosity into lasting support for the causes they care about. By connecting individuals, families and businesses with charitable giving opportunities, the Foundation builds permanent funds that benefit Scott County today and for generations to come. Since awarding its first community grants totaling $50,000 in 1997, the Foundation has awarded more than $7 million in grants and scholarships to support local students, nonprofits and community initiatives. To learn more, visit scottcountyfoundation.org or call 812-752-2057.
