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Sanjay Keshav: 2023 Candidate for Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103 School Board

Bio

Town: Vernon Hills

Age on Election Day: 46

Occupation: Manager

Employer: Biohaven Pharmaceuticals

Previous offices held: N/A

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: For any civilization to prosper, it has to be committed to the growth and development of its next generation. Without this as a key area of focus and investment (not necessarily monetarily), we will invariably end up stagnating and then declining. While this is a very abstract and macro view - one has to aspire. For me personally, there is a point at which, one has to look beyond ones own personal needs and wants and to try to do their little bit, to contribute to the betterment of the wider community at large. What a privilege that there are opportunities like this.

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

A: In my opinion the school board is a single constituent among many others that are responsible for informing, setting and monitoring curriculum. Others include the community, parents and of course our educators who literally have spent lifetimes preparing to be in the roles that they are in - dedicating their efforts at helping prepare the next generations for the trials and tribulations that they will face ahead.

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

A: Given my limited experience and interactions with the district, I am currently unaware of any.

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: Our focus needs to be on the "north star" of best preparing our children for leading their lives ahead with intelligence, courage and poise, such that not only are they are able to accomplish the things that they put their minds to, but also be strong contributors and positive influences in the communities that they eventually end up living in.

Given that, the role of leaders, is to lead. However, this should not be done in a vacuum, without input and or discussion. My hope is that I am able to provide a balanced and thoughtful perspective that builds consensus wherever possible. And in the few situations that consensus seems to evade us - lead without compromise or consideration of the consequences.

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: COVID has been such a great example of the resilience of humanity and the ability for mankind to be able to come together in the face of adversity and face such a daunting and frightening disease. Any future outbreaks of this disease or any others, have to be dealt with in a similar way - people and communities coming together. At the forefront, our experts in these fields, guiding and informing us with whatever imperfect data that they have at the time and the best decisions being made with those data at hand.

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 style is typically collaborative. Throughout my academic or professional life, it is this style that I have seen be most successful. It may take you longer to get there, but typically the product and quality of solution is a stronger one.

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

A: This is an interesting question. I do not inherently believe I am necessarily better than anyone else for this role. I do believe however that, that given the fact that I do not have a specific predetermined agenda and hence open to thoughts and ideas makes me an interesting candidate.

I do however believe that my unique background of having lived on 3 different continents and belonging culturally to a fourth allows for me to bring a unique perspective to the table that will undoubtedly benefit our children in this increasingly globalized and interconnected world.

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

A: For me, one of the more interesting questions that we should be thinking about, is not only how do we benefit and prepare our current students of district 103 for their futures, but how do we build the facilities and environment to prepare the next generation of students 10 to 20 years for now, such that our programs continue to be are at the cutting edge, leading the way in preparation for their (and humanity's) future.

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