Thomas Michaelson, a retired schools superintendent from California, will lead the Nampa School District through the remainder of this fiscal year, the Nampa School Board announced Thursday evening.

Michaelson, who moved to Nampa in July 2010 to be closer to family, led three California school districts through difficult financial times and is poised to do the same in Nampa, officials said.

He will temporarily fill the vacancy left by Nampa Superintendent Gary Larsen, who resigned in August after it was discovered the district had a $4.3 million budget shortfall.

The search committee that recommended finalists for the interim post will now turn its attention to the search for a permanent replacement for Larsen, officials said.

"Dr. Michaelson brings a wealth of valuable experience into our school district," board chairman Scott Kido said. "His upbeat and positive personality is wonderfully contagious."

Michaelson begin work full-time Nov. 28 but in the meantime will meet with school and district leaders and members of the Budget Committee to learn more about the district’s financial situation and solutions being developed. Details of his salary are being finalized and will be released Friday, officials said.

"It is encouraging to begin this work at a time of tremendous positive support from the community for our teachers and students," Michaelson said. "I am looking forward to working with our teachers, leaders, and the community as we move forward out of this crisis."

As superintendent, he led school districts in King City, Esparto and Porterville, Calif.