Nicholson feels vested in school district

Buffy Nicholson has a vested interest in being a Grand Coulee Dam School District director, having two daughters in the district, a son who will be, and other family members, as well. 

Nicholson is running for the School Director #2 position against incumbent Butch Stanger in the Nov. 2 election. 

The Elmer City woman has an eighth-grade daughter who attends Lake Roosevelt, Cora; a fifth grade daughter, Claire; and a son who will attend when school age as well, she told The Star in an email. 

She also has a large and extended family with many family members attending LR including four nephews who are seniors: Tyson Nicholson, Alonzo Adams, Elijah Palmanteer and Harlan Dick.

“The most pressing issue for me is the relationship between the Tribe and the School District,” she said. “The school sits on the reservation, with a large percentage of the student population being Tribal members, so it goes without saying that a strong relationship is imperative. By working collaboratively, our entire community will benefit through student successes, increased resources, and support.”

“My entire career has been devoted to children,” Nicholson said. “Prior to my current role as the Program Manager for the Tribes’ Child Welfare Program, I was a teacher at St. Mary’s mission. My mother, Janet Wak-Wak Nicholson (1972 graduate of LR) instilled her work ethic and logical problem-solving abilities in me that I carry out in all tasks I take on.”

She said that she makes the best candidate for the position because she has “a vested interest, as I am a mother and aunt of children currently attending Lake Roosevelt.”

Nicholson, a graduate of Moses Lake High School, attended Grand Coulee Dam schools until fifth grade.

According to information provided in a voters’ pamphlet, Nicholson received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and master of education degree from Eastern Washington University.

She is also a member of the LR Booster Club, has coached local youth sports, is a board member for Indian Education Title VI, and is a member of Post #114 Nespelem American Legion, having served in the United States Army for eight years.

“I will bring a fresh and diverse perspective to the school board and am committed to ensuring all students in our community have a voice at the table,” she said in statement included in the voters’ pamphlet.