Features Overview

Nicki shares her vision for strong schools and honest leadership through conversations, interviews, and community engagement across Madison. As the campaign continues to connect with students, families, educators, and community leaders, these features highlight key moments, perspectives, and priorities. Access the links below by hovering over each entry.

• January 2026 — Parents, MMSD School Board Member Speak Out Against Staffing Allocation Changes

  Nicki spoke with local news about community concerns over proposed changes to staffing allocation for the 2025–26 school year.
  🔗 https://fox47.com/topic/Nicki%20Vander%20Meulen (WMSN)

• August 26, 2025 — “Less SAT, More USD: Madison School Board Broadens Vision of Student Success”

  Nicki was featured in a WortFM article discussing efforts to rethink student success measures and broaden opportunities beyond standardized testing.
  🔗 https://www.wortfm.org/less-sat-more-usd-madison-school-board-broadens-vision-of-student-success/ (wortfm.org)

• August 12 & 6, 2025 — Disability & Accessibility Discussions

  Nicki joined discussions with disability scholar Dr. Sami Schalk on accessibility and inclusion in the Madison community (WortFM).
  🔗 https://www.wortfm.org/disability-activists-find-joy-and-pleasure-in-community/ (wortfm.org)
  🔗 https://www.facebook.com/WORTFM/posts/how-does-madison-shape-up-when-it-comes-to-accessibility-sami-schalk-and-nicki-v/1239777504828416/ (Facebook)

• 2020 — Education Week Feature: “Autistic School Board Member Pushes for Inclusion, Understanding”

  Education Week profiled Nicki’s life and work, highlighting her unique perspective as one of the few openly autistic public officials in the U.S. and her advocacy for inclusive education and disability rights.
  🔗 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/autistic-school-board-member-pushes-for-inclusion-understanding/2020/02 (Education Week)

• 2020 — “Know Your Candidates: Nicki Vander Meulen” Video (City of Madison)

  Nicki explained her qualifications and priorities as a candidate for Madison Metropolitan School District Board, Seat 7.
  🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWYPVt4Go-s (YouTube)

• 2020 — WORTFM “Meet Nicki Vander Meulen for Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District”

  Nicki appeared on a Meet the Candidates segment for her run for Wisconsin State Assembly, discussing her campaign and community priorities.
  🔗 https://soundcloud.com/wort-fm/meet-nicki-vander-meulen-for-wisconsins-76th-assembly-district (SoundCloud)

• 2019–2018 — School Tour Coverage (Nicki’s Personal Blog)

  Nicki wrote a series of posts documenting her visits to every school in the Madison Metropolitan School District as part of her “50 School Tour,” highlighting school culture, staff, and student programs.
  🔗 https://www.nickiforschools.com/ (search “50 School Tour”) (Nicki for Schools)

• “Nicki Vander Meulen…Board Member…UW Law School Graduate”

  Short video and podcast content discuss Nicki’s role on the board and her background, including her law school education and advocacy work.
  🔗 https://www.upnorthpodcast.com/videos/nicki-vander-meulen-madison-metropolitan-school-district-board-member-and-uw-law-school-shorts (Up North Podcast)

• Many local Madison outlets have reported on topics involving Nicki — including board actions, policy debates, and budget discussions — which are captured on the Fox47 “Nicki Vander Meulen” topic page.
  🔗 https://fox47.com/topic/Nicki%20Vander%20Meulen (WMSN)

  • This topic page includes items such as:

    • MMSD Board preliminary budget approvals

    • COVID-19 policy discussions

    • Staff leave and employee policies