Election 2020: Parsippany School Board Candidate Aisha Mahmood

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com. What you see below are their answers with mild style edits.

Name: Aisha Mahmood

1. Why are you running for the board of education seat?

I am blessed to have grown up in a community that has made our schools a top priority. We have around 7250 students, 10 elementary; two (2) middle schools and two (2) high schools with a lot of ctivities during a school year from K-1 through 12th grade. A board member must be open minded to all students, teachers, staff and parent’s needs. I want to be an active member in the decisions made for our district. I will focus to learn the process involved and the steps necessary in making those decisions. I hope to be a voice for both the teachers and the people of our community and welcome open discussion. We have great teachers, staff and parents who have helped this school district excel way above average.

2. What makes you qualified for the position?

I have been a resident of Parsippany for 28 years, and am a graduate of Brooklawn Middle and PHHS. Since I was a student in this district, I have a good understanding of how a school system should be run from a student's point of view. My professional experience of 15 years has trained me to develop solutions to problems. Also, for 15 years I have taught at local Sunday school, and from that experience I have learned that communication is key between the teachers and parents.

Some may say that puts me at a disadvantage because they have several years of experience in this position, and there’s a learning curve involved. I believe my professional experience with the combination of my technical skills, and business sensibilities form a unique foundation which is relevant to the needs of this role. And my current work experience has me manage teams, streamline communication within teams and with senior management and ramp up quickly to meet challenges.

3. What is the most pressing issue facing the school district and what will you do about it?

Our world is changing rapidly each day. Board members, administrators and teachers must meet these changes to give our students what they need to enter the world after high school. We will always need to keep up to date with the latest technology, books, equipment and facilities to make sure our students have what they need to be able to enter college, the work force or whatever they choose to do.

4. What are some other issues you want to see addressed?

I want to work to protect the mental and physical health of all students, faculty,
families, staff and the community. These challenging times of COVID have put a lot of pressure on students, teachers and parents. We are facing unprecedented challenges.

We require out of the box thinking to maintain our education standards and make sure
students, teachers and parents have peace of mind when it comes to education.

I want to work towards an enriched technology program for all the students so once
they enter the real world, they are well equipped.

I want to make transparency a focal point. Making sure that there is dollars’ worth of value for every tax payer dollar spent. Since most of our tax dollars are allocated towards education.

5. What do you hope to be your overall impact on the BOE if you are elected?

I believe the role of a school board member is to look at the overall view of the school and make decisions that are sometimes easy and sometimes very difficult. We must be open minded to what will be best for the whole school not just a part of it. As a board member I will strive to help our school system have what it needs to prepare our students to meet our changing world.

Technology - Our kids are more advanced than the school is in this field. We need to look at all the options to be more advanced.

Because of my background as a student, I feel I understand what it takes to help our school moving forward and preparing our students to graduate and become good citizens and leaders for years to come.

I am blessed to have grown up in a community that has made our school a top priority. Let’s continue to do the same by voting 4-5-6 on the ballot for Parsippany BOE. We are counting on your votes and together we can continue to shape Parsippany schools into the best school district for our children.

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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