About Diane
Dedication & Proven Experience
A lifelong learner with a passion for education, Dr. Diane Nicolet (or Dr. Di) brings extensive experience and unwavering commitment to her role as School Board Trustee for Washoe County School Board – District G.
A Strong Foundation in Education
- Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado
- Earned a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Webster University
- Continued her pursuit of knowledge with an Education Specialist degree from the University of Nevada, Reno
- Culminated her academic journey with a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, also from UNR
Proven Voting Record
- Campus Supervisors for all Middle & High Schools
- Balanced Budget over 4-Years
- Increased career & Technical Education Options
- Decreased Walk Zones for Elementary & Middle School
- Original Framer of the Current Strategic Plan
- Comprehensive Facility Modernization Plan
- Included athletics, clubs & activities programming in Middle Schools
- Approved over 1-Billion Dollars in new construction & remodels, to include classroom technology
- Championed & Voted YES for employee wage increases, including teachers
- Visited ALL District G Schools to Ask, Listen and Learn!
In the Making
- Implement Cell Phone/Personal Device usage
- Increase Parent/Family Involvement opportunities
- Continue to develop CTE Pathways
- Continue to develop Early Learning programming
- Increase employee numbers in key areas
- Continue to develop supportive community partnerships
- Represent WCSD on the Nevada Association of School Boards – Governing Committee
Championing Every Child’s Potential
Diane firmly believes that access to quality education is fundamental to every individual’s emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being. This conviction fuels her dedication to serving as a strong advocate for Washoe County’s students, and families.
Building on Decades of Experience
- Served as Director of the Truckee Meadows Community College-E.L. Cord Foundation Child Care Center for over 24 years, demonstrating her dedication to early childhood education
- Served as adjunct faculty at Truckee Meadows Community College
- Previously held positions including Children’s Cabinet-Coordinator for UAW-GM child care support services and distance education instructor, showcasing her versatility and expertise
- Gained valuable firsthand experience as a childcare teacher, a “Parents As Teachers” home visitor, and the mother of WCSD graduates, deepening her understanding of the educational landscape from various perspectives
- Has been a dedicated WCSD volunteer for 26 years, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the district and its students
- Contributed her expertise as a WCSD substitute teacher, ensuring she remains closely connected to the classroom experience
- Served on the WCSD Safe and Healthy Schools Commission, highlighting her commitment to student well-being
- Served on the WCSD Career and Technical Education Committee which reviews programming and curriculum, approves grants to the State, and partners with community stakeholders
- Elected as Washoe County School Board Trustee in 2020 (previously appointed in 2016), showcasing the trust and confidence placed in her leadership
- Served on The Discovery Museum Board of Directors and participated in setting short and long-term goals, budgetary reviews, evaluating the performance of the CEO, fundraising, and community outreach
- Served on the Nevada Child Care Licensing Committee whose role it was to disseminate new laws and regulations to Nevada Licensed Child Care Providers, assess regulatory policies and procedures, and reviews decisions made by the committee
- Currently serves on the Nevada Early Childhood Advisory Council, a governor-appointed position
- Serves on the Nevada Association of School Boards as an officer, which assists with training and continuing educations for school board members across the state, becoming Legislative Chair on January 1, 2024
- Serves as a board member for the Washoe CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Foundation and a former CASA Advocate
Diane’s commitment extends beyond mere words:
- She actively collaborates with students, families, staff, and the wider community, fostering a culture of collective responsibility for student success
- She believes in the power of listening to constituents and prioritizing their concerns
- Her unwavering belief in the value of every human being guides her decisions and actions as a trustee
- She works tirelessly alongside fellow trustees and administrators to shape the future of education for all students within Washoe County
- She does the homework necessary to be an informed decision-maker
Facing Challenges Together
Diane recognizes the challenges Washoe County has faced, including the recent hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She remains proud of the community’s resilience and unwavering spirit. Confident in the collective strength of the community, she is committed to working together to overcome current and future obstacles while identifying solutions that benefit all.
Diane’s dedication, experience, and deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education make her a valuable asset to the Washoe County School Board. As District G Trustee, she is committed to building a brighter future for all students and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.