I’m Nina Kopp and I’m Announcing my Candidacy for the High School Board
Nina Kopp is a candidate for Nevada Joint Union High School Board, Trustee Area 1.
Today, I am announcing my candidacy for the Nevada Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees, Area 1, in the November 3, 2026 election.
I love this town, and I love what our high schools can be for the kids who grow up in it. My husband and I are raising our three children in Nevada City, the same community six generations of our family have called home. My passion for this town and its future is deeply personal. With my kids currently in elementary and middle school, high school is just a few short years away. I am not waiting until they step through those doors to get involved. I want to help make our schools as strong, focused, and supportive as possible for them and for every student in our district.
Professionally, I work as an operations manager for a local events venue, where my daily work centers on bringing people together, managing real budgets, adhering to strict timelines, and ensuring every detail matters. My background is in arts management, with a focus in classical music performance. I will bring that same steady, roll-up-your-sleeves approach to the school board: listen first, ask practical questions early, set clear goals, and follow through.
I want to express my genuine gratitude to our teachers and staff. They do hard work every day with deep care for our kids. Our district graduates almost 90 percent of its students, outperforming the state average, and our students demonstrate strong reading and writing skills. That is something to be proud of, and I will celebrate those achievements every chance I get.
At the same time, we must be honest about where we can improve. Our math scores are not where they need to be, and fewer than half of our graduates leave high school fully prepared for college or a career. Those are our neighbors' kids, and our own. We can do better for them, and we can achieve it together through practical, focused leadership.
Here is what I will prioritize:
Focused Classrooms & Supporting Our Teachers: I am deeply passionate about creating classrooms where students can truly focus on their education without constant digital distractions. Technology has its place, but our teachers should be educators, not screen jockeys managing devices. The best learning happens face-to-face through books, active conversation, and genuine human connection. Keeping phones and personal laptops out of instructional time restores the traditional classroom dynamic where students can engage deeply and teachers can focus on teaching.
A Well-Rounded Education through the Arts and Trades: Music, theater, visual arts, and hands-on technical training are essential to a complete education. They build discipline, craft, and the confidence that comes from mastering a skill. Integrating rich arts programs alongside robust Career Technical Education (CTE) equips students with tangible life skills and clear, direct career pathways straight out of high school. A trade certification or vocational path is a top-tier achievement, and our schools must celebrate and support every student's chosen trajectory.
Campus Safety and Mental Wellbeing: Every student deserves to feel safe, known, and supported at school. Teen anxiety and depression have escalated alongside continuous digital engagement. Eliminating unnecessary screen time during the school day is one of the most immediate, impactful steps we can take toward protecting our kids' mental health and safety. By turning down the digital noise, we create a secure, grounded environment where students look up, talk to one another, build real relationships, and trust the adults around them.
I would be honored to earn your vote on November 3rd. More than that, I want to hear from you. Please reach out to share what is working for your student, what needs attention, and your vision for the future of our high schools.
