Mania Karimi: 2025 candidate for Roselle Elementary District 12 board

Bio

Office sought: Roselle Elementary District 12 board (Vote for 4)

City: Roselle

Age: 46

Occupation: Special education teacher

Previous offices held: None

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running for the board of education because I want to engage with my community on a deeper level. I am immensely proud of where I live and am eager to join a team that contributes to the decision-making processes of our town. The process of collaborative decision-making is invigorating, and I look forward to discussing and debating with my fellow community members.

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

The role of board members is to advocate for elevated student standards while supporting teachers in delivering the curriculum with efficacy and through continued professional development. Student growth and achievement should be progress-monitored to ensure the implementation of optimal curricula and strategies.

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

While there are no inherent issues, curricula must be continually monitored to ensure it meets the evolving needs of students, reflects demonstrable growth through data review, and remains relevant in our rapidly changing world. Curricula alone are not sufficient; effective delivery is equally crucial. Teachers require ongoing professional development in best teaching practices to reach all learners.

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?

Regarding policy and curricula, my role as a board member would be to examine the information presented. Factual data must be reviewed, shared, and discussed, while also considering teacher input.

Curricula and policies should be implemented to benefit our students, not to create division. As a unified body, we must provide our students with proven best practices, as they deserve nothing less.

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

My experiences within the education system, working with both children and adults, have strengthened my ability to be an active listener and have fostered confidence in my decision-making. I have learned the importance of allowing individuals to express their perspectives and feel heard.

In a group setting, each person contributes unique experiences and backgrounds. Diverse viewpoints enable us to develop a holistic approach to policy considerations.

Listening respectfully to others not only demonstrates respect but also encourages open-mindedness in return.

Furthermore, active listening, truthful communication, and the sharing of factual data and research have proven to be the most effective methods. Ultimately, the Golden Rule remains a timeless principle.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, of would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.

I strongly believe that any action we take to uplift others and foster a sense of community is worthwhile. A strong community rests on a solid foundation, and that foundation is built by its people. Ultimately, people share more similarities than differences. Therefore, any effort we make to strengthen our community members will inevitably strengthen our foundation and, consequently, our community as a whole.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My background as a special-education teacher, coupled with my experience as a parent of two children, ages 13 and 15, within the public school system, makes me a strong candidate for this position. I possess the ability to advocate effectively for all stakeholders.

Several unique qualities further distinguish me: my personal experience as a sister to someone with Down syndrome, my inherent compassion for others, and my journey as an immigrant woman striving to be a positive role model for my children in our close-knit town.

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

I have several ideas regarding ongoing teacher professional development that I would like to propose, including peer observation within the same school or across different schools.