A Champion for Education as the Cornerstone for Success
Ebony “Nicki” Smith is a dedicated advocate and parent who believes deeply that education is the cornerstone of success. “Throughout my life,” she explains, “I have seen firsthand how education has played a critical role in enabling me to achieve my goals. I hold a strong conviction that providing every child with access to quality education is paramount for their success, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives an exceptional education.”
As a life-long resident of Bellwood, Ebony’s commitment to supporting children’s educational journeys drives her to run for a seat on the school board. She feels a profound responsibility to be a strong, caring voice for students, advocating for their needs and fostering a community that rallies around them. “Our children truly need our support,” she adds. “They deserve to have someone who is firmly in their corner, working to ensure they have access to the resources and assistance they need to succeed.” With her experience, dedication, and vision, Ebony is ready to make a meaningful impact on the school board and in the lives of students in her community.
Establishing Cultural Safety and Accountability
Ebony feels strongly that our schools are safe spaces for all students, both mentally and physically. Ebony is committed to ensuring the current policies at District 209 foster a safe, inclusive environment for all students. She would encourage the hiring of diverse staff for our students, and ensure ongoing cultural competency training for all staff.
She believes that students must have a supportive environment with quality resources, support, and opportunities to be successful. She envisions a school environment that celebrates diversity and ensures that all students feel safe, heard, and empowered to get what they need.
Improving Communication and Collaboration
Ebony’s commitment to lifelong learning and strong listening skills allows her to understand and address diverse perspectives effectively. She believes in collaborative teamwork and values the power of working together toward shared goals. Ebony is dedicated to replacing top-down approaches with collaborative, transparent practices that encourage feedback and engagement with all stakeholders. She believes the schools provide a foundation for success for our Proviso communities.
Redefining Student Success and Career Pathways
Ebony is a firm believer that education must always put students first. She is passionate about engaging students and recognizing their unique needs to ensure that every decision about school resources directly serves the students.
Ebony supports expanding and identifying career and college resources and counseling to assist students to decide what their future pathway for success looks like. This would include college readiness, dual credit, trade programs, and workforce training. She wants to prepare our D209 students for a dynamic workforce and empower them with knowledge about alternative career options.
Ensuring Equitable Resource Allocation and High Quality Education For Every Student
Ebony brings a background in political science and public policy to Proviso 209 United which she will use to ensure board policy effectiveness to help move the district forward. Professionally, she works as a Contracts Manager which will enable her to approach school board responsibilities with an informed perspective. Her expertise in contract negotiation lends itself to key areas such as risk management, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and cost-saving initiatives, all of which she will use to help redirect funds to essential educational programs and resources. She is dedicated to ensuring fiscal responsibility to taxpayers while prioritizing funding core educational needs, teacher support, and infrastructure.