Name: Samreen Khan

Position for which you are a candidate: School District U-46 Board

 

Why are you seeking this position?

Coming from a family who has valued public education, and a product of public education, I hold this human right our country provides to its highest value.  As the daughter of a professor of biology, who taught in public universities and colleges for over 45 years, I strongly value the opportunity of education for all.

I decided to run for the U-46 school board, after navigating district policies and programs for my child, who had received Early Intervention at home.  As a single-mother, I was thrilled to have access to the amazing Pre-K programs for my son at U-46.  The resource-rich programming supported his education journey right from the start.  At U-46, we are privileged to have skilled teachers, administrators, and staff at our schools.  As a board member, I will ensure that they are supported, while being held to the highest standards.  I will make the success of our students my number one priority.  I will be an advocate for students and will work to guarantee that they graduate with the skills needed to be successful in life and contributing members of society.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I have 20 years of experience working in multiple group settings to create and implement policy.

When I served as the Governor’s surrogate in Illinois, I collaborated with a variety of stakeholders including federal, state, and local elected officials, community leaders, and individual constituents.  When leading and coordinating discourse especially as it related to policy, I found it instrumental to remain neutral and provide a safe platform for all voices to be heard.  Encouraging continuous stakeholder engagement and community outreach will be a priority for me on the school board from coordinating focus groups, surveys, and in-person meetings. It has been my experience that the most effective policies are the ones in which the community experiences a direct beneficial impact from and has been a part of in developing. As for elected officials it is imperative to maintain open lines of communication with the community in order to ensure the best policy decisions.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

“Academic Success for All” is at the forefront of my campaign that will focus on two critical national level education initiatives; The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Equity Teacher empowerment grant initiative.  Additionally, the transition back to classroom learning post-pandemic may have been challenging for students, it is important to find innovative ways to encourage that re-engagement.  The latest School Report Card shows a slight decrease in math and science achievement in the district pre pandemic vs post pandemic.  I would like to learn how the board can support staff and teachers in the classrooms to address these overall achievement gaps.

 

Will you be attending the Candidate Night?  Yes

 

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