Nickela Anderson
for Ward D Trustee
Creative ~ Caring ~ Experienced ~ Progressive
About Nickela
Nickela (she/her) is a passionate advocate for public education, dedicated to ensuring every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
As a mother of two current Edmonton Public Schools students and one recent graduate, Nickela has spent years navigating the system and advocating for her children's diverse learning needs. She is a trusted ally to many parents, offering compassionate, clear support in their advocacy efforts.
For over a decade, Nickela has held leadership roles on School Councils and Parent Associations across three schools. Her focus has always been on fostering inclusive, healthy school communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in uniting three school communities, cultivating a strong sense of connection and belonging at the new school site.
With a professional background in research, evaluation, and public engagement, Nickela brings a deep understanding of complex issues and a strong commitment to evidence-based decision-making. She believes that the voices of those most impacted by policy - students, families, and educators - must be at the forefront of shaping meaningful solutions.
Nickela is running because she understands that public education is at a critical crossroads and she is ready to be a powerful advocate for students, families, and communities.
Why Nickela?
I’m running to be your school board trustee because I believe every child deserves a great education close to home - and every family deserves to know their voices matter in shaping it. Our public schools are at the heart of our neighbourhoods, and I’m committed to making sure they stay strong, welcoming, and ready to help every student reach their full potential. These are my commitments to you and our community.
Commitments
Protect public education
Public education is the foundation of a fair, thriving community. I will work to keep our schools strong, well-funded, and open to every child - no matter their background, needs, or where they live. That means advocating for stable and adequate funding, reasonable classroom sizes, protecting the integrity of our public system from privatization, and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of students, not politics.
Include every student
Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported at school.
I will champion inclusive practices that meet diverse learning, cultural, and mental health needs. I will push for policies and resources that help all students - including those with disabilities, English language learners, and students who have been historically marginalized - to thrive in our classrooms and feel a true sense of belonging.
Look beyond the usual measures of success
Students are more than test scores and report cards.
I will advocate for learning that helps students grow into curious, capable, and confident people. That means supporting creative, hands-on, and real-world learning opportunities; valuing social and emotional development; and celebrating the many ways students succeed - in academics, the arts, trades, sports, and community leadership.
Listen & lead with care
Schools work best when the people in them - students, families, and staff - feel heard and respected. I promise to be accessible, transparent, and open to your ideas. I will build genuine relationships in our community and make decisions guided by what I hear from you. Leadership to me means bringing people together, asking tough questions, and always doing what’s right for our kids.
I know that real change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when we work together, listen to each other, and stand up for what we believe in. I’m ready to put in the hard work, to advocate fiercely for public education, and to lead with care and integrity every single day. I hope you’ll join me in building schools where every child can thrive.
Nickela's here to listen
My campaign commitments weren't crafted behind closed doors. They were shaped in collaboration with families, educators, and community members through honest, ongoing conversations.
I launched a public survey to hear directly from those most impacted by our public schools—their priorities, challenges, and hopes. Your voices are at the heart of this campaign. They’ve shaped my commitments and position statements, and they will continue to guide the way I lead.
Get Involved
Volunteer your time.
Join Nickela and her team as a volunteer and help drive meaningful change in the community.
Donate to the campaign.
Support Nickela’s vision for a stronger, brighter Ward D. Your donation today can help shape a better tomorrow.
Show your support.
Display a FREE sign on your lawn or share it on social media. Help spread the message throughout Ward D.
Mac Brock, Strathcona
“I get to work with queer and trans teenagers, and they’re afraid about the future of their representation in public schools. Thank you for being vocal and steadfast in your support for vulnerable students while advocating for the other key issues that will improve our city’s classrooms.”
Stephanie Johnson, Highlands
“I was so thrilled when I heard that Nickela Anderson had decided to run for school trustee. I’ve had the privilege to work with her over many years and many different volunteer settings. She has proven herself to be an intelligent, curious advocate for kids and the community and she’s a person who gets things done. She cares deeply about inclusivity, equity and public education and I know that she will be a fantastic trustee.”
Jim Sandercock, Highlands
“I love the fact that Nickela's really been involved all along at the basic level within the schools and made a difference there. She's not parachuting in to try to move up the chain to another level of government or anything like that. This is a real person who really did great work, made the schools that my kids were at way better, and that's a commitment well before she was thinking anything about doing politics. She's proven herself to be a great leader."
Penny Chu,
Beverly Heights
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them. Time and again, Nickela has proven herself a fierce leader and a passionate advocate for Edmonton Public Schools and our broader community. From championing awareness of diverse student needs to driving fundraising campaigns for vital school resources, she consistently goes above and beyond - seeing a need and meeting it. Today, the urgent need is clear: stop the excuses and invest more in our public schools. And I know, without a doubt, that Nickela is the leader who will fight for every student, every school, and every community. She’s proven it. Now, it’s time to let her lead."
Theresa Yaremchuk, Newton
“I met Nickela a few years ago on the first day of school for my youngest child. We had recently moved to the area and didn’t know anyone. Nickela took the time to chat with us, and from that moment, she made us feel welcome and a part of the community.
I later had the pleasure of serving on the school council with Nickela, where I witnessed firsthand her passion, dedication, and drive to make our schools better for all children. She listens with empathy, leads with integrity, and always puts students first.
Nickela understands the diverse challenges facing our schools today. She will work tirelessly to ensure every student—regardless of background—has access to high-quality education, safe learning environments, and the resources they need to succeed.
I believe Nickela’s integrity, vision, and collaborative spirit make her the ideal candidate to help shape the future of our schools. She will be a strong, thoughtful voice for our children—someone who understands the needs of families, values inclusive education, and is deeply committed to positive change in our schools.”