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Striving for Excellence in Lakeville Schools

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

By prioritizing academic achievement, we ensure that every student in Lakeville has the opportunity to excel, laying the foundation for a bright future where our community thrives and our children reach their highest potential.

BUDGET TRANSPARENCY

By advocating for budget transparency, we ensure that every dollar spent in our schools is accountable and wisely invested, building trust and securing a brighter future for our children and our community. 

CHAMPIONING TEACHERS

By championing our teachers, we empower those who shape the future, ensuring they have the support and respect needed to inspire and educate the next generation with passion and dedication.

VIDEOS AND NEWS

Academic Achievement. Budget Transparency. Championing Teachers and Staff. Safe Schools.

School Board Member Brett Nicholson

Over the past eight months, I’ve had the privilege of serving our community on the Lakeville Area School Board, stepping in to fill a vacancy and being elected by my colleagues to serve as Board Treasurer. In that short time, I’ve worked alongside fellow board members, district leadership, and our community to put student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and transparency at the forefront. Together, we’ve set clear academic goals, strengthened leadership in critical areas, and maintained a disciplined approach to managing taxpayer dollars. My focus has been ensuring every decision we make ties directly to preparing our students for success—whether in college, career, or life. 


I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’ve built. From setting a bold 90% MCA proficiency target by 2030, to hiring strong leaders in Teaching & Learning and Activities, to improving communication and community trust, we’ve laid the groundwork for measurable improvement in student outcomes. We’ve kept our finances strong, launched a transparent levy renewal process that protects core technology and safety funding, and supported programs that enrich the student experience. As we look to the year ahead, I remain committed to advancing academic excellence, supporting teachers, and being a responsible steward of our resources. 

Key Accomplishments (Jan–Aug 2025)

Academic Achievement

  • Approved the hiring of an Executive Director of Teaching & Learning and a PreK–12 Director of Teaching & Learning to strengthen curriculum leadership, support principals, and ensure instructional consistency.
  • Helped set a bold new district goal: 90% MCA proficiency by 2030, aligning board priorities and resources toward measurable gains in reading and math.
  • Protected arts education by supporting the operating levy renewal to safeguard elementary art and fifth-grade band programs.
  • Supported elementary boundary adjustments to balance class sizes and maintain equitable access to academic resources.


Budget Transparency

  • Elected Board Treasurer by peers, providing direct leadership in financial oversight.
  • Maintained a strong fund balance policy while keeping budget planning transparent through public discussions and updates.
  • Supported the Capital Projects Levy Renewal process for the Nov. 2025 ballot, ensuring continued funding for classroom technology, security infrastructure, and safe learning environments without increasing the tax scope.
  • Backed boundary adjustments and enrollment redistribution to manage growth and maintain class size balance.
  • Establish an Executive Dashboard to monitor academic progress


Championing Teachers and Staff

  • Met with principals, teachers, and administrators in schools throughout District 194 to listen, learn, and pinpoint both the challenges to address and the opportunities to build on. 
  • Backed a governance structure that adds leadership capacity in Teaching & Learning to provide principals and teachers with stronger instructional support.
  • Approved new district and high school activities directors to improve program oversight, safety, and student experience.
  • Advocated for staff involvement in planning and decision-making, including teacher input on program changes and new initiatives.
  • Celebrated and recognized staff successes publicly at board meetings, graduation ceremonies, and district events.
  • Ensured that levy renewal discussions included commitments to protect programs that matter most to both teachers and students.

Videos

Vote Brett Nicholson - Introduction

Hi, I'm Brett Nicholson. Candidate for the Lakeville School Board

Why this Election Matters

1. Academic Standards

2. New Superintendent

3. Budget Governance

Lakeville Chamber Forum Highlights

School Board candidate forum recap of Brett Nicholson

News

Schools Board elects Brett Nicholson to the fourth seat

During the Nov. 19 Lakeville Area School Board special meeting, current board members elected candidate Brett Nicholson as their seventh member. Nicholson will fill former Board Member Bree Schindele’s seat after her resignation in August. 

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Recommendation: Lakeville SD 57 Republican Party

Brett Nicholson receives Lakeville Senate District 57 Republican Party (GOP) recommendation for Lakeville Area Schools ISD 194 School Board.  

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Recommendation: Scott County Republican Party

Brett Nicholson receives Scott County Republican Party (GOP) recommendation for Lakeville Area Schools ISD 194 School Board.  

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Recommendation: Minnesota Parents Alliance

I am running for the Lakeville School Board to ensure our schools provide every child with a world-class education. With over 20 years of experience in business process optimization, I have the skills to analyze and improve district operations. As a 12-year resident, husband to a teacher, and father of two young children, I’m deeply invested in our schools' success. I will focus on academic achievement, budget transparency, and championing our teachers and support staff. I believe in the power of collaboration and am committed to working with the community and staff to create a thriving educational environment for all. 

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Nine candidates are seeking election to District 194 School Board

What differentiates you from the other candidates?

I own and operate a business process improvement consulting firm, leveraging global experience to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for clients of all sizes. With a background in human resources and industrial relations, I’ve negotiated with unions, settled grievances, led candidate searches and managed compensation negotiations. My wife is a current kindergarten teacher in Burnsville and we regularly discuss how policies impact classrooms. This combination of business expertise and firsthand educational insight offers a unique and valuable perspective, setting me apart from other School Board candidates as I aim to bring meaningful recommendations to improve our district.

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ISD 194 board candidate forum focuses on finances, career readiness

 A forum for Lakeville Area School Board candidates was held at City Hall on Tuesday. 

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Press Release: Brett Nicholson announces candidacy for Lakeville Area School Board

Brett Nicholson, a 12-year resident of Lakeville, announced his candidacy for the Lakeville School Board on Sept. 9.  Nicholson is married to Marcia, a kindergarten teacher in Burnsville, and they have two young children who attend Lakeville schools.

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Brett Nicholson files affidavit of candidacy

Brett Nicholson officially files affidavit of candidacy for Lakeville School Board. 

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Vote Brett Nicholson

PO BOX 11 Lakeville MN 55044

952-683-1021

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