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On the Issues

"I have never been afraid to ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo, and make difficult decisions when it means doing what's right for our students and schools." - Rima

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Why am I Running?

I am running for re-election to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education because our district needs experienced leadership that is transparent, accountable, and rooted in the community.

From my first day on the Board, I asked tough questions about our budget, bond projects, curriculum, student outcomes, and achievement gaps. I pushed for greater transparency, stronger financial oversight, and meaningful community engagement because families deserve a voice in the decisions that impact their schools.

As Board President, I helped lead the district through a critical leadership transition, including a separation with the past superintendent, and was among the first voices calling for greater financial transparency as concerns before the district's budget crisis emerged. I advocated for responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, a strategic plan to guide our work, and decision-making grounded in data and accountability.

I have also been a strong advocate for our teachers and staff. Early in my service, I proudly supported well-deserved raises and have continued pushing for fair contracts, long-term planning, and investments in the educators who make our schools exceptional.

While important progress has been made, there is still work to do. We must continue strengthening financial accountability, supporting educators, addressing achievement gaps, and rebuilding trust through transparency and authentic community engagement.

I am the only candidate with a proven record of leading through challenges, asking hard questions, and putting students, families, teachers, and staff first.

I am deeply invested in Ann Arbor Public Schools and committed to moving our district forward with courage, transparency, equity, and a focus on student success.

What issues are important to me?

I am committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education in schools that are financially stable, transparent, safe, and inclusive. My priorities include strengthening accountability and responsible governance, supporting teachers and staff, addressing achievement and opportunity gaps, improving student attendance and mental health, elevating student and family voices, and using data to drive better outcomes. I believe strong public schools are built through community partnership, equitable opportunities, sound financial stewardship, and a relentless focus on student success and wellbeing.

Facing the Issues:

Transparency, Accountability & Responsible Governance

I will continue to demand clear, accurate, and timely information on district finances, bond projects, operations, and student outcomes.

Actions I will continue to take:

Require clear, detailed financial reporting that is accessible to the Board and community
Push for transparent updates on bond projects, timelines, and spending
Strengthen oversight of district decision-making through data-driven reports
Ensure public accountability in major district initiatives and contracts
Require regular reporting on student achievement, growth, attendance, and other key outcomes to ensure district decisions are improving student success

Strong Public Schools Through Financial Stability

Facing the district’s budget challenges required difficult decisions and a deeper understanding of our financial systems.

Actions I will continue to take:

Advocate for long-term financial planning instead of short-term fixes
Demand scenario planning before major staffing or program decisions
Push for regular budget updates tied to enrollment and student needs
Ensure fiscal decisions prioritize students and classroom impact

Support for Our Teachers & Staff

Our educators and staff are the foundation of our schools. I supported well-deserved raises early in my term and continue to prioritize workforce stability.

Actions I will continue to take:

Support fair, competitive, and timely teacher and staff contracts
Advocate for long-term workforce planning and retention strategies
Push for improved working conditions and reduced administrative burden
Elevate teacher and staff voice in policy and planning decisions

Equity, Access, and Closing Opportunity Gaps

I am committed to addressing persistent achievement and opportunity gaps for all students.

Actions I will continue to take:

Monitor achievement and opportunity gap data annually and publicly
Push for targeted supports for students most impacted by disparities
Strengthen equity-focused policies in curriculum and resource allocation
Ensure equity is embedded in all major district decisions

Student Voice, Family Engagement & Community Partnership

I believe decisions are stronger when they include those most impacted.

Actions I will continue to take:

Expand meaningful student involvement in district decision-making
Strengthen engagement with families, students, and staff before major policy, budget, and district decisions
Support inclusive advisory structures that reflect diverse communities
Ensure marginalized voices are intentionally included in engagement processes

Student Success: Attendance, Mental Health & Wellbeing

We must address chronic absenteeism and strengthen student wellbeing systems.

Actions I will continue to take:

Expand early intervention systems for chronic absenteeism
Strengthen school-based mental health and counseling supports
Advocate for wraparound services and community partnerships
Improve data tracking to identify students needing additional support earlier

Strong Oversight of Curriculum, and Student Outcomes and Data

We must use data to understand how students are experiencing school and how to improve outcomes.

Actions I will continue to take:

Require regular reporting on academic achievement, growth, achievement and opportunity gaps, and the effectiveness of interventions implemented to address those gaps
Monitor discipline data for equity and consistency across schools
Ensure curriculum decisions are aligned with student outcomes
Strengthen transparency in how instructional decisions are evaluated

Safe, Inclusive, and Welcoming Schools

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in school.

Actions I will continue to take:

Support policies that create safe and inclusive learning environments
Strengthen anti-bullying and student support systems while ensuring every teacher and staff member is trained in restorative practices
Ensure schools reflect and respect diverse student identities
Promote culturally responsive practices across the district

Responsible Use of AI & Screen Time

Technology can be valuable tools, but we must proceed thoughtfully—especially with younger students. Until research clearly demonstrates positive academic, social, and developmental outcomes, we should take a cautious approach to expanding AI use and screen time in our schools.

Actions I will continue to take:

Support age-appropriate limits on screen time, particularly in early grades
Review emerging research on AI, technology, and student wellbeing before expanding their use
Engage educators, families, and students in decisions about technology adoption and implementation
Prioritize learning environments that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and human connection

Leadership Rooted in Experience and Community

As the first Arab American elected to the Board, and as a former Board President, Vice President, Secretary, and current Parliamentarian, I bring deep institutional knowledge and lived experience as a refugee, person of color, educator, scientist, and healthcare professional.

Actions I will continue to take:

Center lived experience in policy decisions affecting students and families
Maintain active engagement across schools and community spaces
Bring cross-sector expertise including, but not limited to, healthcare, education, and research into Board decisions
Lead with transparency, accountability, and community partnership

What do I bring to the table?

I bring the perspective of a parent, educator, scientist, healthcare professional, and experienced school board leader. As an involved parent of children in Ann Arbor Public Schools and a current Board Trustee who has served as President and Vice President, I understand both the opportunities and challenges facing our district.

My professional expertise and leadership experience have equipped me to make data-informed decisions, strengthen accountability, support educators, and ensure responsible stewardship of district resources. As the first Arab American elected to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education and the daughter of refugees, I am deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for every student.

Most importantly, I bring integrity, independence, and a proven commitment to putting students, families, teachers and staff first.

Facing Challenges Head On

When the district's budget crisis emerged in 2024, I was already asking tough questions about district finances, bond projects, student outcomes, and accountability. As Board President, I helped lead the district through a leadership transition, including a separation from the past superintendent, that brought greater transparency and revealed challenges that required deeper oversight and action.

I pushed for transparent financial reporting, data-driven decision-making, and meaningful community engagement before major decisions were made. What we uncovered extended beyond the budget, including opportunities to improve oversight of student achievement, assessment results, discipline data, equity outcomes, bond spending, and district operations.

Throughout the process, I fought to keep teachers and staff at the center of our decisions. I proudly supported educator raises early in my Board service and continue to advocate for fair contracts, long-term planning, and investments in the people who make our schools successful.

Due to my advocacy, Ann Arbor Public Schools is in a better place because we chose transparency and informed decision-making. I am running for re-election because our district needs experienced leadership that is willing to ask hard questions, engage the community, and make decisions rooted in transparency, equity, and student success.

This is concise, positive, and focused on the three key messages: I asked questions, I led through the crisis, and we're in a better place because of transparency and accountability.

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