Meenal Dewan: 2023 candidate for Township High School District 211 Board of Education

Bio

Town: Inverness

Age on Election Day: 50

Occupation: Office administration

Employer: CRDN Restoration

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I felt necessary that now was the time to run because after having two kids graduate from Fremd, I had never had a reason to speak up. I was happy with the district and the direction our schools were heading in. However, this changed with my third child after he entered Fremd. He had issues with teachers and in dealing with that, attending board meetings, speaking with administrators and other parents, I heard so much that our community was concerned about that was just not being heard. The lack of transparency, the lack of community outreach etc. I decided that instead of complaining, I will step up and try to bring a new perspective and change into our community. I am often asked, "why run when your last kid is graduating?" My answer to that is that I have the resources and time to run for office; I know many of my fellow parents and community members don't. I want to be their voice for their community and to be a voice for every single student that are in our classrooms everyday.

Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?

A: The role our school board plays in setting and monitoring curriculum is that it should implement a curriculum which focuses on giving students the best possible opportunity to develop and experience ideas from new perspectives. The curriculums within our schools should promote a multicultural approach in their teachings so as to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The board should also monitor the impact of the curriculum and listen to any concerns the community may have while still ensuring that the curriculum remains effective in providing a high level of education that our district is known for.

Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

A: Currently, I am happy with the curriculum being taught within our schools.

Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

A: I am always listening. I seek out those who I disagree with in order to listen to what they have to say and how we can merge our ideas to ensure the best possible outcome. This may come at some compromise, but ultimately I am here for the kids. Any decision that gets made needs to be in the best interest of our kids and I understand that all parents want the best for their children and community. Any curriculum issue or concern needs to be addressed with the appropriate resources we have in order to evaluate the next steps. Whether that is modifying a curriculum or keeping it the same.

Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?

A: We have learned, unfortunately, the mental impact that a pandemic can have on students. I feel as though our schools were late in boosting up their support staff by hiring more counselors, social workers and psychologists for student as they retuned to normalcy. We can also do a better job in supporting our teachers. Seeing as they too, had to grapple with being remote, supporting them means that they are in a better position to aid students in difficult times, such as remote learning. Should we enter into another situation like our COVID-19 pandemic, our best option would be to remain home and slowly open our schools back up with aid of vaccines, masks, distancing etc. Offering students the opportunity to remain at home and virtual should they have any safety concerns.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

A: My main goal is to listen. Our board cannot make a decision without first hearing out both sides fully in a respectful, transparent and constructive discussion. I am always willing to listen to anyone who is speaking out of concern or worry for the district, regardless of political affiliation/views, religion, socioeconomic status etc. We are all members of this community and should I be elected to the board of education, my top priority would be to listen to our students, parents, and community to help bring their voices to the forefront of discussion.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: Before all else, I am a parent first. I have worked part-time for my full professional career due to my kids. I knew I always wanted to be home when they were home from school, I always wanted to be flexible with my job to accommodate my children anytime I needed to. I recognize that I am very fortunate to be able to do so and I also recognize that not very many parents may have that luxury. It is that realization that will allow me to continue to be a voice for our community. Listening is the first step in creating a better future for our district. Our home.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

A: One idea that I have that would be able to push for more transparency and involvement would be to designate one board of education member to each school where they would meet with teachers, administrators, and possibly students (such as those on their respective principal advisory boards, or wellness committees) of that school. They would then listen to concerns, questions, and comments that those staff/students have in order to built a better connection and bridge the gap between the schools and the board of education.