Meet Nicholas

My name is Nicholas Atwood, and I am running for D428 school board because I am passionate about education and public service. As an attorney, I approach decision-making objectively by reviewing the facts and performing a cost-benefit analysis. I am focused on finding creative solutions that will improve our student outcomes without burdening individual tax payers. As a parent of a four year old who will attend the district, I respect the privilege that comes with being entrusted with your children's education, as well as the responsible stewardship of your tax dollars.

Public education has always been important to me. I have bachelor’s degree in history education from Western Illinois University, and a professional educators license. I subsequently graduated with honors from Northern Illinois University College of Law, in 2016. For the past 8 years, I have served the People of the State of Illinois as an appellate prosecutor. For the past three years I’ve had the honor of serving as an adjunct professor of law at NIU College of Law.

Since 2018, I have served as on the Executive Board of AFSCME Local #3608, where my primary responsibilities have been to create financial proposals, draft contract language, and participate in negotiations with Agency management. I believe this experience will be valuable to D428 voters as multiple contracts with teachers, paraprofessionals, and building services will be negotiated over the next four years. In order to achieve our goals of improved student outcomes, we need to  to negotiate better contracts for our teachers and paraprofessionals.I understand what it takes to make a fair deal that shows our teachers and paraprofessionals that we value the important work they do! I believe we can do this with existing funds; it is simply a matter of priorities and asking the right questions as to how we are spending our budget.