District 15 School Board Candidate: Abdul Javid

Name Abdul Javid

How long have you been a resident of District 15? Since 2006

Biographical Information (optional) family, profession, background, etc.

Family: My wife Batool and I have four children, all boys.  Elder two are part of Dist 15, a 3rd and a 7th grader. Our 3rd child is 3 yrs old and youngest is 2 yrs. Occupation: Management Professional with over 15yrs of expertise in governanceMasters in Computer Science (MS) from Illinois Institute of Technology

Why are you running for the District 15 board?

I have been volunteering my time for the community. I strongly believe that through education we can improve the lives of others and it is our job as citizens to make sure we leave community better than we found it. Am a parent and proud to be resident of District 15, we moved here for education and better schools. There are 4 board positions open, and I see a amazing opportunity as professional to get involved and do good for district 15. 

What is your opinion on the Early Start/Late Release issue? 

This issue could have been avoided, contracts need to be avoided for any ambiguity, one of the clause in teachers contract about schedule changes “ Overwhelming Majority resistance”   led to lot of debates, confusion and online petitions, re-surveys. I see scope of improving the governance, monitoring and oversight of District 15 school board, and this issue further raises my motivation to volunteer my time.  I can see majority of parents wanted to have Friday early release,we have to respect teachers position as their development directly impacts community children development. This issue could have been avoided and dealt at negotiations level in details and clarity and communicated well to parents.

What is your opinion on the possible outsourcing of bus services in District 15?

There are discussions and proposals going on how this area can be used for savings costs yet making sure the quality of safety on pupil transportation are not compromised. There are 2 major areas of discussion, privatization & re-negotiation of the current contract. As risk management certified professional, i would like to see detailed analysis on this issue. There have been bids, re-bids and different numbers showing up as savings. I do not have clarity on cost savings yet and quality of service immensely important.  I didnt see any bus issues during my 7 yrs of stay here in this District.

What, if any, improvements would you like to see in the way the board is run?

The board seems to be deeply divided, this perception needs to be changed. We have to refocus our energy and time on improving the education system. Need to work better as team, there has been huge change in last couple of years, this momentum needs to go on, new candidates bring vigor and change. Essential element of governance is bringing clarity to the table , community needs to trust board members for their decisions. We have to improve our relationships, the only way to do that is increase interactions. 

Additional comments and/or information you deem important for District 15 voters to know about you.

Am a full time employed professional just trying to volunteer my time because I think my education, experience and capabilities will improve and justify the needs of school board member position, which are open to fill. As most of you know, this is non paid position and the intention here is purely to serve. There is no party or political agenda behind my candidacy and I urge all voters of District 15 who are reading this, give chance to me, agreed am new but I assure all the decisions that I take in next 4 yrs  will based on analysis, facts with focus on consensus,collaboration & keeping in mind how it effects the education system of our community here. Call me 8477088195 anytime, am good listener and approachable, abdulfordist15.org