Meet Nichole M. Browner: Orland School District 135 Candidate

ORLAND PARK, IL — Meet Nichole M. Browner School Board candidate for Orland School District 135. The Consolidated Elections are April 6.

Browner recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be seen below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

Nichole M. Browner

Age (as of election day)

38

Town/city of residence

Orland Park

School District

District 135

Family

Michael Browner III - 38 yrs (My husband, served in US Army, currently an engineer/Product Manager)
Michael Browner IV -14 yrs (My son, OJH 8th grade student, honors)
Isabella Browner -10 yrs (My daughter, HighPoint 4th grade student, Girl Scout)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I studied at Kankakee Community College & Moraine Valley

Occupation

Former Home Health Care worker 10+ years (duties included nightly physical therapy and hemodialysis) I am currently a Girl Scout Leader for an Orland Park Troop of 14 girls and a volunteer within our community.

Campaign website

http://fb.me/BROWNERfor135

Previous or current elected or appointed office

None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Communication and unity with the stakeholders of Orland Park. I am going to put all my efforts into mending our relationship by offering my skills in productive, transparent, and healthy communication, so that we may move forward together.

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

While all candidates running are equipped with good hearts, some are focused solely on one issue. While the safe full return of all students is a priority, we must remain multi -dimensional so that we reach all stakeholders. Focus should not only center on the return but on the "how" and the "what" was lost during the previous year. Providing healthy communication, academic catch up, all while being good stewards with the taxpayers dollars. We must empower and properly resource our educators. We must remove stagnant conversation and communicate productively. It's going to take a lot of work to properly move forward, and I am here to help with all issues.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?

I am not here to point fingers at any single person, this year was unprecedented. I have an eye for service and I could see help was needed. I am running to hopefully join the team and offer my problem-solving, mediation, and communication skills.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Technology. We made a very large investment by putting an iPad into each child's hand, we need to stay on top of our investment. Collect data on what is and what isn't working. Taking note that a large margin of children are showing a decline in fine motor skills, relying on auto spell, and being robbed of how to properly control all 10 fingers while typing. I would push that we explore ways to use our technology resources wisely. This can be achieved, even while in a Pandemic.

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

During my service as a healthcare worker my job required me to be thorough, precise, and reliable. I have excellent work ethics and go above and beyond in all areas of my life. I also worked with children who have disabilities and my heartfelt communication and de-escalation skills were found to be most helpful in many situations. My service as a Girl Scout Leader and Public Servant shows my ability to lead and set an example worth following. I empower others to find their best selves. I believe a true leader does not outshine, but helps others find their inner light. I have organized many fundraisers to serve throughout our community and beyond. While I have a strong voice for change I believe actions speak louder than words, so I am always out there with my sleeves rolled up willing to help.

Why should voters trust you?

I have a good heart and my energy is contagious. I have served in many ways throughout our community without recognition or limelight. My only goal is to make the world a better place. I think the way to achieve this is through effort, kindness, and empowering our youth. I am a servant, and I am hoping for the opportunity to bring this energy to serve the district.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

I hope to bring everyone together with my communication skills, so we can be on the same page and move forward giving the best education to all learning abilities in the safest environment possible.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Transparency and communication with the public is imperative. If we dive in deeper, we must always make choices that use our resources wisely. Funding, first and foremost needs to be centered on classroom instruction, instead of instructional overhead. I would be in favor of taking a full levy, yet never stockpiling. A healthy 45-55% reserve makes sense to me. With children, you plan ahead instead of rushing to supply, there is always the option to reimburse taxpayers with a rebate. If elected I will always be upfront, transparent, and fiscally responsible with their tax dollars.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I stand against all forms of racism.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I believe in the power of awareness, it removes ignorance from situations. I feel our board has addressed the community via emails and the implementation of SEL learning throughout the classroom. While there is always room for growth and awareness I feel the District has stepped up to make sure all students from all demographics feel heard, safe, respected, and fully educated.

What are your thoughts on the district’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Are you in favor of remote learning, in-person learning or a hybrid of the two? Do you support a mask mandate for students and school staff, or mandatory coronavirus testing for both students and staff?

When serving in a elected position I feel people will constantly turn to you for information.
This year was unprecedented, and we cannot point fingers, but I do feel there was a lack of communication at the start of the school year which left many parents on social media uneasy. This shortcoming inspired me to stand up and offer my time and energy to help serve the district. As far as the different learning structures, I am happy that our district chose to offer the choice to parents, but it was hard on our teachers. Moving forward into the next school year I would hope to find a way to properly serve our children without overloading our educators. When regarding mandates, safety is always a priority and I feel our district's actions are in correlation with current State regulations.

When the vaccine is available to them, do you support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff?

The department of Public Health in correlation with the State determines rules and regulations for immunizations for children in school. While I am extremely thankful for the scientists and doctors who worked so diligently to design a vaccine to fight Covid 19, I still feel at this time it is best to offer the choice to all parties, especially as a vaccination has yet to be approved for children.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No, I am ready to step up and serve.

The best advice ever shared with me was ____________

"In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit" - Anne Frank
"Love them anyways" - 1Peter 4:8

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