
Every Bear Forward. Together.
STEADY, THOUGHTFUL LEADERSHIP
for strong public schools today and a future-ready UA.
“I’m running for re-election to protect what’s working, improve what’s not, and lead with clarity, collaboration, and vision. I listen deeply and take action because every student deserves to flourish.”
WHERE I COME FROM
Grounded. Grateful. Focused.
My family’s story starts with opportunity and the belief that education opens every door. I’m proud to be a daughter of immigrants, a seasoned healthcare provider, a public health professional, and the first person of color elected to Upper Arlington’s School Board. I’m a mom of two UA students, a trained school board leader, and a community builder who shows up prepared and focused.
I’ve always believed:
Strong public schools are the best investment a community can make
Our schools should grow both intellect and character
Good governance starts with humility, transparency, and service
EDUCATING THINKERS AND DOERS
Academic excellence. Real-world readiness. Human connection.
The pace of change is accelerating and our schools must keep up. Graduating students with knowledge is only the beginning. We need to cultivate resilience, leadership, and the skills to navigate a complex, digital, and human world.
-
Over the past four years I have worked hard to strengthen what makes UA special and to help us grow in ways that prepare all students for a changing world.
Expanded real-world learning opportunities by reinstating the district’s participation in the Business Advisory Council after a decade-long vacancy, which led to new externship opportunities for students.
Championed authentic leadership development within our student organizations
Prioritized student mental health and social-emotional learning at the board level
Passed policies that elevate student engagement throughdrafting and playing an integral role in passing the district’s landmark policies.
-
Service Learning 2.0: Build next-gen civic engagement programs that go beyond volunteering to help students develop critical thinking skills through analysis of the root causes of societal challenges and inspire purpose
Mentorship Across Generations: Pair students with elders in our community to foster belonging and wisdom exchange
Soft Skills Matter: Expand opportunities for collaboration, communication, and critical thinking — the human skills that AI can’t replicate
Mental Health Infrastructure: Improve skill development so students can be more resilient when experiencing challenges and resource alignment for students in need
Expand opportunities to prepare students for an “AI-Proof Future” by focusing on the human skills that AI can't replicate, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy.
In a world full of information, we need schools that help students grow in empathy, discernment, and drive.
PRESERVING PUBLIC EDUCATION
Protecting our shared investment. Planning for tomorrow.
Public education is under pressure. But here in UA, we can continue leading the way by investing wisely and communicating clearly. Our district is strong because our community cares. But that trust must be earned and maintained.
-
Served in and was elected into or chosen for leadership roles within local, state, and national school board leadership training programs
Fiscal Leadership: Earned a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown to better understand evidence-based ways to serve the district's financial needs
Initiated the conversation that led to the district joining a statewide lawsuit against uncapped school vouchers.
Initiated UA’s engagement with our association’s legislative platform to connect our district with state-wide initiatives.
-
Transparent, Student-Centered Budgeting: Apply evidence-based best practices to better align resources with impact
Ombuds Services: Advocate for an independent, confidential way for families to surface concerns or barriers to equity
Environmental Focus: Reduce district environmental impact through smarter operations and sustainability-minded decisions
Parental Partnership Models: Expand forums for meaningful family input — from film screenings to policy Q&As — beyond traditional engagement events
Future-Ready Facilities Planning: Ensure levy discussions are grounded in facts, options, and honest timelines
Public education reflects our values.
Let’s protect it with intention and clarity.
REPRESENTATIVE, EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE
Steady leadership. Community connection. Data-informed decisions.
Upper Arlington deserves a school board that listens, learns, and leads with care. I’ve brought that approach to every meeting, every vote, and every conversation over the past four years, and I’m ready to do even more.
-
Ensured superintendent and treasurer evaluations are routine and performance-based
Pulled major decisions out of consent agendas and into the spotlight, ensuring community visibility
Built relationships with broader groups of teachers, staff, and families across the district to better understand how decisions are made and the impact they have
Increased fiscal transparency and accountability by supporting the reinstatement of the Community Finance Committee
Courageously stood alone in challenging us to proactively reinvest a budget surplus into student and teacher initiatives like increaseed elementary arts opportunities, AI training, SACC expansion, and experiential learning.
-
Stay focused on long-term student outcomes — not short-term politics
Push for inclusive decision-making, especially for underrepresented students and families
Help our district navigate emerging challenges like AI, automation, and tech equity with wisdom and teacher partnership
Model respectful, data-driven leadership that UA residents can trust
Actively seek alternative sources of income to diversify the district’s income, promoting finacial stability and flexibility
Continue to ensure responsible governance by applying my training in public finance, public policy, and public management to strengthen student-centered budgeting and ensure the district is ready for emerging challenges.
The Board works for our community and keeps students at the center of all decisions. That’s how I lead.
Why Now Matters.
Strong schools don’t happen by accident.
Upper Arlington’s schools are strong because our community’s legacy is continuous investment in excellence, equity, and inclusion.
Strength doesn’t mean we pause. The world is moving fast. We need leaders who bring competence, calm, and collaboration.
I’m running for a second term to keep us focused on what works and ready for what’s next.
Let's keep Upper Arlington schools strong for every student, every family, and every future.
Vote Nidhi Satiani for School Board on or before Election Day: Tuesday, November 4
Join Us!
-
Host
Be a Connector:
Host a casual porch chat or a lively backyard gathering. This is one of the most meaningful ways to bring neighbors together and give them a chance to hear from me directly. -
Volunteer
Be a Changemaker:
Sharing why you support my work, writing postcards, knocking on doors, or delivering yard signs—your time and voice mean the world, and they bring this campaign to life. -
Donate
Be a Believer:
Your financial support fuels everything we do—from yard signs to community events—and I’m so grateful to have you in this with me.