DISTRICT
Chelsea
WEBSITE
nicoliaforcsd.org
Campaign Phone
6467733830
Number of years as resident
3.5
My background combines education, leadership, financial management, and a strong commitment to CSD. I studied Secondary Education with a focus in English, and I currently serve in a Director-level role managing a multi-million-dollar budget and leading teams across project management, construction, and procurement. I also serve as a Chelsea School Board Trustee, providing governance and community leadership experience. As a parent of a second-grade student at NCE, I have a personal investment in the district’s continued success and the experience of its students, staff and families.
If elected, my goals would be to support an inclusive and equitable education for every student, promote transparent and student-centered governance, and strengthen engagement with families and the broader community. I would work toward these goals by listening to students, staff, and families; using data and responsible financial oversight to guide decisions; communicating openly; and fostering collaboration and trust across the district.
Student achievement improves when every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Every student in Chelsea deserves policies and classrooms that reflect and support who they are, which is why I advocate for culturally responsive practices and decision-making that ensures no family feels overlooked.
Schools also thrive when families are partners, not bystanders. I would continue elevating voices that are often left out—from board liaisons and parent volunteers to community members—because strong family and community connections help students feel supported and give our district a clearer understanding of what students need to reach their full potential.
My budget priorities are responsible stewardship and transparency. Good governance means making financial decisions in the open, with accountability and a clear connection to student needs. My professional experience in process improvement and multi-million-dollar budget oversight allows me to ask thoughtful questions and ensure resources are used effectively. Families deserve to understand how decisions are made and to trust that students remain at the center of every investment.
As a current Trustee, I see the most serious challenges facing the school board as maintaining trust, ensuring transparent communication, and making the most of existing resources to meet the needs of every student. I would continue to address these challenges by listening to students, staff, and families; asking thoughtful questions; communicating decisions clearly; and using data and responsible financial oversight to guide priorities. My goal is to build collaboration and trust while keeping student outcomes at the center of every decision.
DISTRICT
Chelsea
WEBSITE
https://jakeforcsd.netlify.app/#top
Number of years as resident
25
I was born and raised in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 2012. I earned a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from The Citadel, graduating cum laude. Professionally, I work as a consultant managing complex projects, analyzing data, solving problems, and working with people who often have different priorities and perspectives. I’m also a parent raising my family in Chelsea. I believe that combination of financial experience, problem-solving, leadership, and a lifelong connection to this community would bring a valuable perspective to the Board.
My main goal is to keep student success at the center of Board decisions while building on what Chelsea Schools already does well. I want to maintain high academic standards, support and retain great educators, strengthen support for students with different needs, and better prepare students for all paths after graduation, including college, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and careers. I’ll work toward those goals by listening to parents and educators, asking questions, looking at the facts and data, and following up to make sure the decisions we make are actually producing results.
Chelsea is already a strong district, but that shouldn’t stop us from looking for ways to improve. We should use student performance data to identify where students are succeeding and where gaps exist, then focus resources on approaches that are actually producing results. That includes maintaining high academic expectations, supporting great teachers, identifying students who need additional help early, and working closely with parents. We also need to recognize that success after graduation looks different for every student and provide strong preparation for college, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and other careers.
My background is in finance, and I believe responsible budgeting is about more than simply spending less. Student learning and safety should come first, while making sure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. I would prioritize the classroom, retaining great teachers and staff, student support, and maintaining the facilities and resources needed to provide a strong education. If we’re in a position to responsibly improve compensation for teachers and staff, I believe that should be a priority. Major spending decisions should also consider long-term costs and whether the investment is actually producing results for students.
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining Chelsea’s high standards while navigating staffing needs, financial pressures, and changes within our community. We need to retain great educators, make sure students receive consistent support as they move through the district, and use limited resources responsibly. We also need to keep outside politics from distracting from the core purpose of our schools. I would approach these challenges by listening to parents, educators, and administrators, looking carefully at the facts and data, asking difficult questions when necessary, and keeping student outcomes at the center of decisions.
