Position Sought
Waukegan School Board, District 60
Location
Waukegan, Illinois
Date of General Election
April 1, 2025
General Election Donation Limit
$6,900
Race/Ethnicity
White/Caucasian
Gender Identity
Genderqueer
Sexual Orientation
Gay
Pronouns
He/They
Connect with Nicholas Shepherd
Nicholas would be the first out gay member of the Waukegan School Board!
Biography
Nicholas Shepherd, the oldest of five, was raised by his grandparents in the Chicagoland Area. After immigrating to the United States from Spain, Nicholas’ grandfather went to work in the insulation factories. Nicholas’ grandfather taught him the value of hard work and kindness, and his grandmother taught him the value of community and to stand up for others. Collectively, Nicholas’ grandparents made $15,000 while he was growing up. Nicholas’ grandparents instilled in him that education was the way to opportunity in the United States; a lesson Nicholas took to heart. With his grandparents’ faith in him, Nicholas was the first person in his family to graduate college, and the first person to graduate from law school.
Nicholas lives in Waukegan with his loving husband of 14 years, and their 16-year-old son. Nicholas and his husband were blessed to have their 16-year-old son be placed with them through foster care. Nicholas’ son is a current junior at Waukegan High School, Washington Campus. As a foster parent, Nicholas and his husband learned that the schools are not always equipped to meet children and families where they are at. Nicholas intends to work with administrators and educators to help make our schools better for our children, so that our students and families are connected with the resources they need to provide our children with a quality education.
As a career, Nicholas works as a prosecutor for the Lake County State Attorney’s Office. As a prosecutor, Nick has prosecuted cases of domestic violence, and other violent crimes. The safety and security of all of our children is important in fostering an environment in which our children learn and grow. Nick will work with city officials, administrators, and other stakeholder to ensure the appropriate resources are provided to our schools.
Nicholas is running on a S.M.A.R.T plan and with that plan Nicholas will Shepherd our schools into a brighter tomorrow.