Nicholson unopposed for school board

Being that she is unopposed in the election for Grand Coulee Dam School District's Director #1 position, it looks like Shannon Claire Nicholson of Coulee Dam will fill the seat.

Carla Marconi, who currently holds it, did not file for reelection. 

"As a school board member," Nicholson wrote in a candidate statement, "I intend to serve as an open and honest channel of communication between the school district and the community, ensuring that the decisions of the board reflect the diversity of our community." 

"Through collaboration," the statement continues, "we can ensure our children are receiving a high-quality, balanced education that prepares each student for their future, whether that be at institutions of higher learning, trade schools, or the workforce. Simply put, we should be looking at how we can meet the needs and interests of all students in our community."

Nicholson has an elementary school-aged child and a junior high-aged child in the district. 

With a bachelor's degree in sociology from Washington State University, and a juris doctorate from Gonzaga School of Law, Nicholson has practiced 16 years of law in the public sector. She is currently a senior staff attorney with the Colville Tribes, advising the tribal council and various tribal programs, including Education and Employment.

She has spent about nine years as a state assistant attorney general, "working with social workers from Child and Adult Protective Services, ensuring our most vulnerable populations were protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation."

"My professional experience makes me uniquely qualified to tackle these complex issues," she writes, "and I look forward to putting these skills to work on behalf of the students in the Grand Coulee Dam School District."

Nicholson lists the Lake Roosevelt Booster Club, Embrace Washington Foster Santa, girl scout troop leader, youth sports coach, and foster parent as community services she participates in.

The election for the position takes place on Nov. 2.