Strong Schools. Honest Leadership. Every Student.
What I Stand For
I’m running to strengthen Madison’s public schools through honest leadership, community partnership, and a commitment to every student. My values guide my decisions - and my positions reflect what families and staff are asking for right now.
Value 1: Strong Schools
Strong schools are built by supporting educators, investing in classrooms, and using evidence-based practices that improve students success across the district.
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School Lunches: Students deserve healthy meals that meet nutrition standards and taste good. MMSD should increase student and family input, expand scratch cooking, post menus at least two weeks in advance, and communicate changes at least one week ahead. The district must also reliably accommodate medical and religious dietary needs.
Achievement Gap: Closing the achievement gap must be MMSD’s top priority. That requires a comprehensive strategy that increases time in learning, expands peer mentoring, strengthens partnerships, and grows equitable internship opportunities—especially where access currently lags.
Open Enrollment: MMSD should actively engage families to understand why students leave the district and respond with concrete improvements. Listening sessions and clear follow-through should be part of a district retention strategy.
Value 2: Honest Leadership
Families and staff deserve clear communication and accountability, with decisions grounded in trust, community voice, and responsible governance.
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Transparency: MMSD must provide timely information to the community, especially when decisions impact students and families. Nicki supports frequent public updates, meaningful opportunities for community input, public comment periods at board workshops and special meetings, and recording public meetings—including board retreats. The district must also meet open records requirements in a timely manner, as required by state law.
Behavior Education Plan: Accountability should be clear and student-centered. The behavior plan should include transparent goals and a simple rubric with specific steps students can take to improve, along with consistent check-ins and objective benchmarks. This supports clarity for students, staff, and families.
Value 3: Every Student
Equity and inclusion are essential to ensuring every student—regardless of background—has access to opportunity, high-quality education, and meaningful support.
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Equitable Bus Fares: If some middle schools receive free transportation, all middle schools should have equitable access. Transportation should not depend on which side of the city a student lives on.
School Vouchers: Nicki strongly opposes voucher expansion because it diverts funding from public schools and often limits access for students with disabilities. Public dollars should strengthen public education.
Charter Schools: Nicki strongly opposes expanding non-instrumentality (non–school board run) charter schools due to accountability concerns and the risk of creating a two-tier system. The priority should be investing in MMSD’s public schools.
Suspensions & Expulsions: MMSD should reduce suspensions and expulsions and expand restorative justice approaches that keep students engaged in learning while addressing behavior through problem-solving and support.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Why This Election Matters
Madison’s public schools shape our future. Strong leadership, transparent decision-making, and community partnership are essential to ensure every student thrives - today and for generations to come.
“Nicki leads with integrity, listens deeply, and keeps students at the center of every decision.”
