Meet Anas Khraiwish, Candidate For OLCHS 229 Board of Education

OAK LAWN, IL – Anas Khraiwish is the last of three write-in candidates running for an open seat on the Oak Lawn Community High School Dist. 229 Board of Education in the April 1 election. Early voting starts March 17 and runs through March 31.

Your Name

Anas Khraiwish

Town/city of residence

Oak Lawn

School district:

Oak Lawn Community High School Dist. 229

Family

I have a loving wife and three children. All three of my children attend Oak Lawn Schools; the oldest will be attending Oak Lawn High School this fall!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Education

I studied at Moraine Valley Community College, as well as Penn Foster for Trade School several years later.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I have had many jobs that sparked interest for me in various industries, from HVAC Technician to bookkeeping for a 20-store business.

But the ones worth mentioning that I feel are relevant to the seat I’m running for are the 6 years spent in banking, as well as my current business of 9 years, which is owning and operating HomeLine Furniture in North Riverside.

Through all my careers, (even the small ones), I have learned that we can learn to do almost anything as long as there is enough passion and willpower behind it.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

None

The most pressing issues facing our district are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Well, I feel the biggest issue is not exclusively to our own district, but to the nation’s districts as a whole. Students nationwide are less optimistic about the future. It is a sobering and frightening reality. We can blame it on a lot of things, but the truth is it’s very complicated.
I would like to help restore a sense of optimism for our future generations as much as I can, and the way I think it would be most effective is through self-reliance and more opportunities for real-world experience before graduation.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I do not know them personally, but I respect anyone willing to run and serve their community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have never been afraid to learn something new. I can work well with others, I can show up, and work the best I can with the right intention at heart.

Why should voters trust you?

As a voter, I trust my own judgment and believe others should do the same. I would like to point out (again), I have children in the district, and would like them and all the students to have opportunities to achieve the best they could from their schools.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

Going back to the earlier question, if through some ideas and actions we could improve optimism and hope in our kids’ futures, then I have won.

What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools?

I believe staff and schools are handling that situation in a responsible manner. I do not think there are random raids happening at schools, at least not to my knowledge.

Is the high school teaching critical race theory, Marxism or any other ideologies and what should be done about it?

I am not aware of the school teaching critical race theory or Marxism. Ideologies in general are something to be very wary of. If ideologies are being taught, I would expect them to be in the context of educating the students about the effects of ideologies and how they have affected societies in the past. After all, I would prefer my kids to learn how ideologies could negatively impact their world in a classroom, than to be sold on the idea later on online.

Should cell phones be banned during school? Why or why not?

Like everything in life, balance is key.

I understand there are current policies put in place regarding cell phones. Like all policies, I feel they should be revisited and revised as needed.

How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not?

Sex education is an important subject. I don’t see the harm in providing students with facts regarding STD’s and young pregnancies. Just like STD’s and pregnancies, LGBTQ is also a reality of our current society and should be addressed in the context of treating all types of people with respect.

I do not believe a total obsession over either subject is really necessary or helpful, though. The focus should definitely be preparing our students for a better future.

Do you think property taxes are too high, too low or just right?

Like any taxpayer, I am going to prefer to pay less property taxes. What matters the most is where citizens get the most value out of the taxes they pay.

When it comes to student achievement, what are schools within this district doing well and what needs to be improved? How can those improvements be made?

Schools in this district, I feel, do a great job connecting with the students. On a fundamental level, ELA and Math scores have been trending downwards compared to many high schools around us. This needs to be addressed, and a root cause has to be dealt with.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

Look, If I get the opportunity to live on the Moon or Mars, Im going!