Meet Mariam Mahmud, Candidate For Central Bucks School Board

CHALFONT, PA — Mariam Mahmud is running for Central Bucks School Board Director Region 5, which includes Chalfont Borough and parts of New Britain Township.

James Bender, an educator, is also running for the seat. You can find his profile here. Both candidates are cross-filing and will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots in the May 18 primary.

Here is Mahmud's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

I am happily married with 4 children and a dog. My kids are at Butler elementary, Unami Middle School and CB South High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

North Penn High School, Bryn Mawr College, Drexel University College of Medicine

Occupation

Pediatrician 12 years, Fellow in Integrative Medicine

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

www.electdrmariam.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I feel my voice as a community member, mother, and pediatrician can add a unique perspective to the board. It is an important time for knowledge grounded in science and diverse perspectives to support our students' education.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Mental health is one of the biggest issues facing our children. Prior to the pandemic, 1 in 5 children were struggling with mental health. We know that 1 in 4 people locally have suicidal thoughts and that depressive symptoms have increased three fold. Many kids are directly and indirectly dealing with mental health conditions. We must address them in schools so that children and their communities can be successful.

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

As a pediatrician who believes in evidence-based practices, my perspective is informed by science. I understand child development and the issues that face children and families. I am also a strong advocate for inclusion of all people and families.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

My identities as a woman, a physician, and a person who has worked on diversity and inclusion for all children gives me a unique and needed perspective on the school board. Further, I work well with people holding different viewpoints, with the goal of identifying and building on common ground. I look at the positive in situations in order to move forward which is especially important for a successful transition post-pandemic.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1. Mental health supports and staff for the school community. 2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 3. Excellence in leadership and academics.

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

I am a leader in my work and community. I bring people together for various goals including work I have done to support the underserved and marginalized as a medical director. I am good at bringing together all stakeholders around a common purpose which I do annually at a homeless screening initiative. I have put together a symposium to support parents who have children with mental health issues. I have earned a grant for mental health access, served on a board for children with disabilities, and a hospital quality assurance committee. I have also earned the Nancy Elizabeth Barnhart Memorial Award for bringing sensitivity to young children and the community in an outstanding way and the Philadelphia Pediatric Society Award.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I value the words of Brene Brown. "Daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable. It means to show up and be seen. To ask for what you need. To talk about how you are feeling. To have the hard conversations."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a dedicated community member. I hope that my style of leadership comes from empathy and understanding so that we can work together for a common purpose.

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