Candidate Profile: Nicole Rajpal, Boulder Valley School District

BOULDER, CO — Three seats are up for election on the Boulder Valley School District's Board of Education.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Nicole Rajpal is running for BVSD's Board of Education, District B.

Family: Sharad, Kai (12), Sonja (10)

Education

BS in Nutritional Science and MS in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin.

Occupation

Currently unemployed. Previously worked as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Childrens Hospital Colorado and adjunct faculty at Front Range Community College.

Campaign website: www.rajpalforbvsd.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a parent of 2 BVSD students, I have volunteered in their schools in various capacities over the past 8 years, including being a member of the Foothill Elementary & Southern Hills Middle School Accountability Committees (SAC) for 8 years combined. I have represented those schools on the BVSD District Accountability Committee (DAC) for 6 years, serving 2 years as chairperson. During that time I provided many recommendations to the Board of education on topics including budget, policy, improvement plans and charter school applications. I’ve also served on many district committees including equity, calendar, Strategic Plan, Phase 2+, etc. During my time in BVSD I have witnessed an arch of change, and believe we are on a precipice. The shifting landscape over the past 20 months has shown us that it is more important than ever to elect informed and experienced leaders who care about the collective good, can work cooperatively, use evidence-based decision making and aren’t motivated by personal agendas. Given that, and after a great deal of persuasion from fellow DAC and SAC members, I have come to realize that right now, the best way for me to support the BVSD community is to put my personal, educational, professional and volunteer experiences to work the board of education. If elected to the board of education I will continue to do what I have always done - advocate on behalf of students, families and staff. I will work tirelessly to ensure BVSD provides safe and inclusive environments, equitable opportunities and access to high quality courses and programs that meet the needs of all students at all schools. I believe we can accomplish this by 1) holding the district accountable for implementing its strategic plan with fidelity and transparency; 2) allocating funds strategically; and 3) leveraging the incredible talent that lies within our community.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

In addition to having a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, I have been an active part of the BVSD community longer than my opponents. This is important because: 1) it has allowed me to develop relationships with stakeholders across this large district with varying needs; and 2) I have a deeper understanding of district policy, education funding, district data, etc. that will allow me to ask informed questions and hit the ground running on day one.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1) Ensuring every student at each of the BVSD schools has equitable access to high quality courses and programs - socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, learning needs and geography should not limit the potential of our students, schools or our communities. 2) Ensuring all of our schools feel engaging, safe and welcoming to our students, staff and community. 3) Promoting transparency, accountability and evidence based decision making.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was chairperson of the District Accountability Committee for 2 years. This committee includes 1 representative from each BVSD school and advises/reports to the Board of Education on topics including budget, policy, improvement planning and parent engagement.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I take the time to listed to community input and to meet with stakeholders across this district, and that I truly care about the success and wellbeing of the entire BVSD community.