Nicole McDermott

Nicole McDermott was born in Casper, Wyoming. She graduated from Granite High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in 1997 and a graduate degree from Columbia University in 2008. She earned an M.D. from Columbia University, Teachers College in 2008. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a third-generation Granite High graduate raised in South Salt Lake, education is in my blood. Coming from a long line of educators, I learned early that schools are about developing critical thinking, solving problems, and strengthening communities.

While I initially resisted following my mother’s career path, my lived experiences revealed a true talent and love for teaching. I earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Utah and a master’s from Teachers College, Columbia University. Today, I am in my 26th year of teaching in the Granite and Jordan districts, currently directing the orchestra at Elk Ridge Middle School.

Beyond the classroom, I am a mother of three children who attended Granite schools. For over a decade, I’ve volunteered in classrooms, served on School Community Councils, and led PTAs, including two years as president. These dual perspectives as a teacher and parent fueled my belief that those who understand classrooms must have a seat at the decision-making table.

Eight years ago, I ran for the Granite School Board to bridge the gap between district decisions and classroom realities. Now in my fourth year as board president, I’ve worked alongside families, educators, and staff to guide policy and solve real issues.

I am running for the Utah State Board of Education to bring this proven, collaborative leadership to a broader scale. I want every student to feel safe, supported, and challenged. Every child deserves an excellent education,

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Put Students First:

Policies should be guided by what helps students learn and thrive, not by special interests or agendas. As a member of the Granite School Board, I have focused on promoting solutions that are backed by real data, not just feel-good soundbites. I will put that proven record to work to support policies that put all Utah students first.Keeping Politics Out of Classrooms and Off the State Board:

Educational decisions must focus on teaching and learning, not political pressure or ideological battles. As a parent, community advocate, and local board member, I will ensure our students learn how to think–not what to think. On the state board, I will collaborate with colleagues to find real solutions and keep politics out of board decisions.Strengthen Communication and Trust With Parents:

Parents should have clear, open channels to share concerns and shape decisions. I am a proven champion for parental rights and have helped implement programs to strengthen and improve communication, and build trust. On the board, I will only support policies that have the input and buy-in of parents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

First, I advocate for balanced classrooms. Technology must be an intentional tool, never a digital babysitter or a teacher substitute. True life skills like collaboration and critical thinking are often taught best without screens.

Second, we must fully fund education. We must audit spending and right-size districts so funds reach students to handle rising behavioral crises, mental health needs, and chronic absenteeism.

Third, we must retain teachers by supporting them. We must hold administration accountable, streamline the mountain of SPED paperwork, and boost funding to attract quality paraeducators.

Finally, I champion local control. Working with parents, decisions are made best for our kids at the lowest level possible.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Wayne Harper, Utah Senate, District 16

Jim Dunnigan, Utah House of Representative, District 36

Authony Loubet, Utah House of Representative, District 27

Ray & Beverly Ward, Utah House of Representative, District 19 & Education Advocates

Christie Overson, Taylorsville Mayor

Aimee Winder Newton, Salt Lake County Council, Senior Advisor to Governor Cox

Merdith Harker, Taylorsville City Councilwoman, Educator

Dr. Corey Tuckness & Amber Tuckness, Educators

Melinda Horton, Educator

Education First

The Governing Group

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud product of Granite School District. As a third generation Granite High graduate, I am passionate in supporting our local schools.

I come from a family of educators and began my teaching career 25 years ago in Granite District. I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelors of Music Education and, after an 18 month hiatus, began teaching at Churchill Jr. High. During my 11 years there I also received my Masters of Music Education from Columbia University. It is during this time as a teacher that I became interested in running for school board. I saw decisions being made without educator voices or community voices considered.

When my husband and I were home shopping for our growing family, we wanted to live in a community that was supportive, modest, and diverse. We loved the area of Taylorsville and Kearns.

It has always been important to me to be involved in the schools, both as an educator and a parent. I have served in many different capacities, including PTA president, in supporting our students and educators.

I have served for 6 years on the school board. I have been a part of moving our district forward to a better place. I believe there is still more work left to do, but I have worked hard to represent all voices and create a positive environment for our students.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Parent Voice: I have 3 children currently attending Granite District schools. I have actively participated in the PTA, community councils and volunteered in the schools. I know the families in my precinct and what is important to them. I believe in strengthening our local schools and want to help make them the best options for all our kids.Experienced Educator: With 25 years teaching experience, I have an in depth knowledge of what happens in our classrooms. I understand the challenges that our parents, students, and educators face each day. When creating policy, it is critical to have an experienced educator to provide perspective from the classroom. This way we can create policy that works for students to improve outcomes as well as support teachers.Community Involvement: I love the Kearns and Taylorsville communities. Each of these communities is unique and have their own challenges and strengths. I have attended city council meetings and community events, and I know the issues important to our citizens. I represent all our students, educators and community members.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Student Success: Each students might have a different definition of success, but every one of them deserves a chance to be challenged, receive high quality instruction, and find what they are passionate about. It is our job to create the best environment for that to happen.

Public Education Funding: It is important for us be prudent when spending public money. We need to make sure our programs support increased student outcomes and that we cut back where we can to make sure we are good stewards of our funds. At the same time, there are challenges we face and we need to have an honest conversation about funding public education fully in Utah.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My parents are some of the best people I know. Life hasn't always been easy. They weren't perfect parents. None of us are. But they taught us the principals of hard work and follow through. And we always knew they loved us.

My mother was a school teacher and I remember thinking that I didn't want to go into teaching because of how hard she worked and how hard it was. But I now know how rewarding it is also. She was a great example to me of hard work and resilience.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity: this includes being honest and having good moral principals, something that so many elected officials are lacking

Good judgment: our job is to gather all the facts and then weigh what is best for our students and our communities. This requires someone who can listen to those who are passionate but also make good decisions based on all the voices in the room.

Effective communicator: elected officials should always be looking for ways to gather feedback. We should be approachable and good at listening to all sides of the issue. It is important for elected officials to communicate with those they represent.

Team player: Elected officials should always strive to understand all sides of an issue. There are ways to still stand up for your principals but look for ways to meet others where they are and find common ground. In the end, we are all wanting what is best and must support each other. When making decisions as a school board member, even if we don't always vote the same way, we move forward supporting the policy as best we can for the students.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Be a liaison between the community and the school board by gathering feedback and representing our local values.

Create good policies to support our students in academic excellence.

Understand and create capital and operating budgets that show fiscally sound management.

Hire and evaluate annually a superintendent

Hire and evaluate annually a business administrator (chief financial officer)

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching the inauguration of Ronald Reagan on TV. The commentator pointed out that former President Jimmy Carter was walking along the street down below. I remember thinking that was unusual. I believe I was 5.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I did a lot of babysitting in jr high and high school. I never had a "real" job because I had so many jobs I never felt like I needed it. And I loved playing with the kids.

What is your favorite book? Why?

To Kill a Mocking bird was one of my favorite books when I was in jr. high. I remember it making a big impression on me, and it was one of the reasons why I wanted to fight for justice for everyone. I love seeing my own students reading it and always tell them, "keep reading! You will love it in the end."

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

School Boards have 3 main responsibilities:

1- We appoint and evaluate the superintendent and the business administrator (the CEO and the CFO of the district). They are our only employees we directly supervise. We assure they are carrying out the mission and vision of the board. If they are not, we hold them accountable.

2- We oversee the development of the budget and approve it. We need to assure that we are fiscally responsible with the money we oversee. It is our responsibility to assure it is being spent wisely, that we have a return on our investment, and that we spend it in alignment with our strategic plan with the goal of improving student outcomes.

3- We set policy. Our job is to create policy that will steer the district towards increased student outcomes. We make sure that we represent all views when we are creating and revising policy.

4- As a board member, I view my responsibility to connect with my communities so that I can represent them when it comes to making decisions about policy and budget. It is critical that we know the needs and desires from all our stakeholders.

Who are your constituents?

I represent Kearns and Taylorsville and am elected to speak for the taxpayers, families and students here. But I represent all of our students, families, and communities who make up Granite School District. While I will fight for things important to my area, my constituents include all who are our employees, taxpayers, community members, families, and students.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

We need to assure we create opportunities to listen in our communities. While we have made great strides in improving communication, we still need to find ways to provide a safe way for all stakeholders to share concerns and ideas. I love that we use our District Community Council as a space where we can have discussion with parents from various communities. We have done Town Hall meetings with both teachers and parents in the past. This is something I would like to see us using more in the future. I believe we receive valuable feedback when do. We are better when we work together.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

We have many policies that are out dated and irrelevant. As board president, I requested the addition of some committees, one of which oversees the creation and revision of policy. We still have a long way to go, but I am proud of the work we have done so far in revising and consolidating many policies, as well as the formation of new ones.

We continue to see distractions taking away from learning time for our students. I am proud of the policy we passed recently about cell phones. Our deepest desire is for our students to learn, and removing a major distraction from their learning environment will help. Policies like these are important to me to assure we are creating opportunities to learn and find success.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Granite Education Association

Meredith Harker, Taylorsville City Council

Anna Barbieri, Taylorsville City Council

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My dream for students is that they have a class that isn't too crowded, a place where their ideas are heard and validated, and that they feel safe to make mistakes and learn together. We need to continue to work towards this with our state legislators, parents, and teachers.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency is critical as we create and execute policies with the use of public money. We should always be evaluating the return on investment and make adjustments accordingly. Our budgets and accompanying decisions should always be available for the public to understand. Elected officials should be able to answer questions and be accountable to their constituency in all areas.

Nicole McDermott did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

My first priority is to ensure the safety and well being of our students, both physically, socially and emotionally. We need to have safe buildings that are in good condition for our students and teachers to work in together. We need to make sure that we have the support systems in place for our students so that they are able to deal with situations in a healthy way. We have a problem with bullying and with suicide all over. This needs to be addressed by having a strong policy in place in regards to bullying and one that is enforced consistently.

My second priority goes hand-in-hand with the first. Only when we support our teachers do we attract and retain great teachers. We need these kind of teachers to help our students become successful life long learners. We can do this by supporting new teachers with mentors and instructional coaches to assist as they develop teaching strategies for a successful classroom. We need to be competitive with other districts in attracting teachers as well. Salary and benefits need to remain at a level that is sustainable to the district but also competitive with other districts.

Third, we need to make sure ALL our students are receiving the best education possible. We have a very diverse district and it is hard to address all the needs with such diversity. Even in the smaller area I represent we have a great deal of diversity. My priority is to give a voice to those communities who are underrepresented and to make sure that they receive the same educational opportunities afforded to students in other areas of our district and of our state. These are the kids that need a strong voice the most.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public education and am a fierce defender of every child deserving an opportunity for learning and growth. I follow very closely the laws that affect education every year. I have visited representatives both through e-mail and by direct contact during the legislative session to express concerns and opinions. I believe that we need to be the voice for those who are unable to voice their concerns. We need to advocate for those who are the youngest among us.

I am also a strong advocate for arts education. Arts is an important part of who we are and by encouraging creativity we spark the imagination to problem solve in every other area of education and in life. STEAM is an important movement because, while technology has been at the forefront of job growth, art and design continue to be an essential part of that growth. We need to be educating the whole child to make sure they are well equipped when they move on.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I have had many strong examples of leadership and compassion in my life. Both my mother and my aunt are retired teachers. They have spent their life advocating for kids. I admire their commitment to their students and their defense of education. They are often who I look to when I have questions in my own classroom. Because of their influence, both my cousin and I chose education as a career, to teach and advocate for our kids.

I have had the opportunity to visit with and listen to Erin Gruwell. She is best known for the book she wrote entitled The Freedom Writers Diary: How One Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them. She is someone I admire because she was in one of the most difficult circumstances in terms of education and, by thinking outside the box, she found ways to help her students not just succeed, but make a powerful impact on other students and neighborhoods where they lived. This is an example of what a difference one person can make.

Another I admire is Malala Yousafzai who stood up to defend girls receiving an education even when it meant risking her life. She is a fierce defender of women's rights and education and someone I am proud to teach my own children about.

Lily Eskelsen Garcia is a teacher from here is Salt Lake. She is an amazing educator who left her passion for teaching to defend public education at the national level. She is another who is inspiring to hear speak and to visit with. She understands public education and I admire her fortitude to defend it fiercely in an arena where it is not always popular.

There are too many local teachers to name who have effected my life and my children's. I love and support the many teachers my kids have had or currently have. We have amazing administration in our district who I have worked with closely both as a parent and as a teacher. I admire all these teachers and I know that they are there because they love their students.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell has made a powerful impact on my life. This book doesn't talk about education specifically, but rather about how the small things can make a big difference. As a teacher, I have thought about this a lot. I have tried to be that tipping point for my students. I want them to succeed. I try to give one-on-one time. I use different methods of teaching. As a school board member, this would continue to be the philosophy I live by. A school board member can be a "little thing", just like a teacher. But it is amazing how a little thing can make a big difference. I hope to make a big difference in the lives of students.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official needs to, first and foremost, give a voice to all who they represent. They need to think about the diversity of the population and give a voice to everyone, not just those who are the most vocal.

They need to educate themselves on the issues and make informed decisions. I believe that decisions should reflect community opinion as well but should represent what is best for the overall community and district.

An elected official needs to allow the community to take ownership of change and understand that reform can take time. We need to be patient and make sure that communities have the information needed and that any change is supported both from the district and from the community.

Integrity, commitment, respect and hard work are some of the most important characteristics of any elected official. For a school board add to that the ability to work together, communicate well with the community and advocate for public school on all levels.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

In addition to integrity, commitment, respect and hard work, I have a first-hand, working knowledge of schools and the policies and procedures. Someone once said to me, "if you truly want to know a place you need to live there." I have lived in a classroom, not just visited. I have the perspective of a teacher, a community member and a parent. I believe these are all valuable when it comes to making policies for our kids.

I have the ability to collaborate and work together with others to bring about positive change for education. I have done that where I teach. I can communicate well and find solutions to problems that help all our students, not just a small portion. I have been a long-time advocate for public education. It is something that has been at the forefront of my life for a long time and it will continue to be.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A school board member helps to set goals for the district. They then help to create policy to achieve these goals. They hold the schools district responsible for achieving goals and make sure that the superintendent is doing his/her job. They make sure that fiscally responsible decisions are being made with the budget and ensure it is balanced.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to know that all our kids have every opportunity for a great education, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion or location. I want people to know that there are those who care about them and fight for them every day. I want to leave a legacy with my students and my children that they know I love them and that I care.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Spaceship Challenger explosion happening in January of 1986. I was 10 at the time and I remember how close to home that hit because one of the teachers from Brighton High School, the school where my aunt was currently teaching, was a finalist to be the teacher on that shuttle. It was devastating to so many not just nationally but also in our community.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first official job was working at the zoo. I worked there the summer after I graduated from high school and worked until well into the fall when taking classes at the university conflicted with me being able to continue.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Halloween through Christmas. I love the decorations, the excitement and the family time. And of course the music.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My family. They are my loves. I could live without anything else.

How might you improve the value of a high school diploma? What should a 21st century diploma reflect?

I love that our district is headed toward proficiency based grading. There are going to be some growing pains as students, parents and teachers strive to understand it better and implement it. But it will more accurately reflect what a student knows. I believe it will also help to hold teachers up to a higher standard. It is hard to switch our mindset but I believe this is a positive move for our students.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I would like to know that every student has access to the current programs we have available. That is where we need to start. There are schools that have to drop programs because they can't find qualified teachers willing to teach the classes. We need to make teaching attractive enough that people will choose to work here instead of industry.

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What is your political philosophy?

I believe in a strong public education for every child. They should feel safe, both physically and emotionally, in school and have a variety of opportunities for success.[3]

—Nicole McDermott[4]