“Your interest in the issues of concern for the working people of our communities is greatly appreciated,” said the IELC.
Mikki Cichocki, after her first day as a San Bernardino City Unified School District board member, is running for a second term.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. — The Inland Empire Labor Council, AFL-CIO has voted to grant its Committee on Political Education’s (COPE) Endorsement to Mikki Cichocki for her bid for the San Bernardino Unified School District for a second term on the board.
The COPE IELC Political Team said, “Your interest in the issues of concern for the working people of our communities is greatly appreciated. We look forward to working with you and wish you the best on Election Day.”
Cichocki is currently serving as the incumbent and is seeking a second term. She stated, “During my first term, we hired a new superintendent and unified the board and the cabinet to work together as a team to address important issues such as attendance, academics, safety, and the district’s ongoing anti-bullying efforts.”
Here are her priorities for San Bernardino City School District students in her second term:
1. Support the District’s mission to ensure that each student has the skills, resilience, and determination to create their path and thrive in school, career, and life.
2. Enhance access to science, technology, and fine arts.
3. Ensure accountability and fiscal responsibility.
4. Provide students and staff with safe and welcoming schools.
Cichocki, a San Bernardino native, started teaching elementary and middle school students in the district. Later, she worked with the district’s Youth Services Administrative Hearing Panel, which managed disciplinary matters, transfers, and attendance issues.
As a Program Specialist, she implemented the San Bernardino Restorative Youth Court. Mikki worked for the district for more than 30 years and retired in 2022. Her extensive and valuable experience with students has shaped her commitment and contributions as a district board member.
Learn more about the San Bernardino City Unified School District, its schools, and its initiatives at https://www.sbcusd.com.
For more information on Mikki Cichocki, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Mikki4SBCUSD.
About Mikki Cichocki
Mikki Cichocki’s interest in education can be traced back to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. She was born and raised in the city and attended public K-12 schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. Since 1987, she has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Currently, she works in Youth Services for the District, where she leads the effort to work with at-risk students and “outliers,” helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. Additionally, she serves for two years as a Board Member within the District. She was also Secretary-Treasurer for the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
Herb Fischer Former San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Endorses Mikki Cichocki for SBCUSD Board.
“I support Mikki for SBCUSD School Board,” says former San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Herb Fischer.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.— Education leaders, teachers, parents and students know that San Bernardino City Unified School District Board candidate Mikki Cichocki will work tirelessly to improve learning opportunities and defend neighborhood schools.
That’s why the endorsements of retired San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Herb Fischer and San Bernardino City Unified Board President Scott Wyatt mean so much.
“Mikki is an experienced educator who has worked with students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members,” said Fischer. “She has a history of being focused on students and independent in her decisions and actions.”
Cichocki promises to focus on improving schools and expanding student opportunities.
“I want to give back to the community that raised me,” she said. I realize that I have the desire to serve as well as the experience in this district to understand what students and staff need and have experienced these past three years. We need a board that is focused on education.”
Cichocki has attracted considerable support from educators who have gotten to know her during her long tenure as a teacher and school administrator. What’s equally worth noting is how students feel about her candidacy.
“My experience as a student working with her at the San Bernardino Restorative Youth Court was an amazing experience. She made the work a safe and fun environment. She really made it worthwhile to attend Youth Court and helped open my eyes to new opportunities,” said 2022 San Bernardino Unified graduate Makayla Antweiler Keene.
Eric Johnson, a senior at San Andreas High School, said Cichocki is a valuable mentor.
“If I needed someone to talk to or needed a favor, Mikki is the first person I go to. So, students shouldn’t hesitate to call or text her because she’ll always be there when you need her.”
San Bernardino City Unified School District board candidate Mikki Cichocki
Student Fatima Villabazo Garcia said she had an amazing time working with Cichocki on youth court and the Student Leadership Advisory Committee.
“She always has the best attitude and there was never a dull moment. She is fun and always makes sure that everything is in check,” Garcia said.
Retired San Gorgonia High School teacher Angie Alvino said Cichocki is the right candidate for the SBCUSD Board of Education.
Retired San Gorgonia High School teacher Angie Alvino said Cichocki is the right candidate for the SBCUSD Board of Education.
“Mikki is a vote for the good of the students and staff,” Alvino said.
In addition to these testimonials, Cichocki has been endorsed by the San Bernardino Teachers Association and the Inland Empire Labor Council.
She’s also a strong advocate for parental involvement in schools.
“I believe that all members of the San Bernardino education community must to have their voices heard and that certainly includes parents. Decisions about funding and setting priorities need to be aired and discussed openly with a view to reaching a consensus on actions to take,” Cichocki said.
Don English-Chaffey Joint Union HS District Board Member
Don Bridge- Chino Valley Unified School District Board Member
Bill Hedrick- RCC Board of Trustees President
Jose Alcala- RCC Board of Trustees Vice President
Dr. Cheryl Fischer
Carl Dameron
Ray Culberson
Angie Alvino
Tony Wilson
Tobin & Erin Brinker
Linda Morgan
Nancy Glenn
Stephanie Fletcher
Gerald and Cindy Parks
Jan Bridge
Marjorie Israel
Margaret Paul
Nicolas G. Perez
Pat Mazzuli
Jo Bonita Rains
Amir Alavi- Secretary CA Assoc. of Youth Courts
Linda Savage- Former SBCUSD Board Member
Virgina Marquez- Former Councilwoman
Barbara Kerr- Former CTA President
Barbara Pastuchek- SBTA Vice President
Nancy Banales
Nena Torres
Marc Pollitt
Catherine S. Daly
Brenda Chow
Jennifer Noel Kelly
Gigi Jackson
San Bernardino Teachers Association
Inland Empire Labor Council
San Bernardino Young Democrats
San Bernardino County Democratic Party
About Mikki Cichocki
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1987. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she led the effort to work with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serves on the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
