Committed to Education, Driven by Community

Why I’m Running for School Board

Professional
I’ve been an educator for 18 years. As a college professor, I see firsthand the results of K-12 public education — where schools get it right in preparing kids for the future, as well as where there’s room for improvement. I understand why education matters for individuals and societies. (I’ve even published a book and an article related to education.) Election to the school board puts my professional experience to good use in serving my community.

Personal
I love my career as an educator, but my number one role in life is being a mom to my 3 kids (16, 14, and 10), all of whom are active and engaged students in Lake schools. I’m a community builder in all areas of my life and I am always looking for new opportunities to serve. I’m a responsive and clear communicator and understand the importance of transparency and constancy in building and sustaining relationships - that kind of communication will be a hallmark of my time on the school board.

Political
Public education is the bedrock of healthy, functional democracy. The most important goal of education is to develop kids into independent and critical thinkers who are equipped to engage their world and serve their communities throughout their lives. I’m a non-partisan thinker with expertise in both bridge-building and conflict resolution. No agenda, no ax to grind — just a heart for service with plenty of relevant experience to do the work.

Relevant Experience & Qualifications

  • Leadership experience (department chair, various committee and task-force chairs, executive and faculty search committees)

  • Shared Governance work (faculty, administration, Board of Trustees)

  • Budget creation and oversight (multiple programs and grant budgets)

  • Curricular design, implementation, and revision

  • Event organizing and fundraising

  • Grant writing and administration (over $200k secured since 2017, as primary grant writer or co-written)

  • Author and public speaker

  • University of Mount Union’s “Great Teacher” Award, 2022

My Priorities

Fiscal Responsibility

Responsibility for district budgets is about smart and prudent spending. It’s also about understanding the incredibly complicated ways public schools are funded at the local, state, and federal levels. Rapidly changing regulations and policies require school board members to understand and navigate those complexities so they can manage budgets well and prioritize spending in a way that balances the best interests of students with responsibility to taxpayers.

Clear, Transparent, and Regular Communication

As a conflict resolution expert, I know that nearly all conflict is based on poor or insufficient communication. I’m committed to increased communication about school board decisions related to fiscal matters, curriculum, and facilities. Clarity about those decisions prevents the mistaken assumptions and rumors that can lead to distrust and skepticism — things that only detract from our sense of community.

Join me in support of Lake Local Schools

Donate

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Take Action

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Vote

For voter registration, early voting, and polling locations, visit the Stark County Board of Elections website.

“Niki is a critical thinker, effective collaborator, and advocate for education. Niki understands what is needed for students to be prepared for life. She has devoted her professional career to helping students to become well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their community and their world.”

—Frank Gant, Former Principal, Lake Elementary

Contact

I’d love to hear from you. Use the form or email me directly at nikiforlakelocal@gmail.com.