Abdul Abdi
He/His/Him
District 1 Candidate
Website
What do you think the next superintendent should prioritize?
The next superintendent should develop strategies to help children with a wide range of abilities, needs, and backgrounds reach their full potential. One that prioritizes student education, teacher-district relationships, and parents and community engagement.
How would you repair and strengthen trust between teachers, families, and district staff?
I am a parent at MPS and have served on the district parents advisory council for the last four years. I recognize the significance of trust formation. One of my main campaign objectives is to promote and support a system that promotes trust between schools, teachers, parents and communities and district leadership.
What do you see as the role of parent and community voice in decisions that affect the Minneapolis Public Schools? How do you intend to create inclusive, transparent processes (e.g., the search for the next superintendent)?
I believe that students are at the heart of our schools, and that we must work together to ensure their success. Everyone benefits when we foster positive relationships among students, parents, and staff. The process of finding the next superintendent should not take place behind closed doors. The community should fully participate.
What are your views on the science of reading? What priorities would you advance to ensure the district is improving literacy for students?
Reading at the grade level should be expected from this district. I will prioritize and require that all students read at or above grade level. It is a challenge, but it is worthwhile to set clear expectations and invest the necessary resources.
How would you ensure the district is financially sustainable? Given declining enrollment in recent years, how would you ensure the engagement of families and strengthening of enrollment in the district?
It is no secret that enrollment in many districts has been declining. We will be open and honest with the community, and staff. I believe we can come up with a solution together. I understand that, in the end, the board must make a decision that is best for the children’s education and the classroom.
How would you measure and hold the district accountable in its implementation of strategic initiatives?
Accountability is essential. We will hold district leadership accountable and expect them to meet the expectations of our families and community. We will establish measurable and easily understood objectives for the district to work toward.
What does successful collaboration look like for a school board member? Who do you see as a resource? And how will you ensure that diverse perspectives–even those you may not agree with–are heard?
It is not secret that the diversity of the school staff contributes to a positive school environment for students and the school community. I will prioritize investments and hiring policies aimed at attracting a more diverse teaching force, while also bolstering the genuine voices of teachers of color through leadership pathways and opportunities.
What strategies would you advocate for to hire, retain, support, and develop educators of color?
Every student must have access to grade-level course work, materials, and instruction. I will collaborate with other board members to make this available to all students in the district.
Do you believe that every student should access grade-level materials and instruction? If yes, how would you ensure this access for all district students?
Every student has the right to learn in an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and intimidation. The District must commit to making all students feel safe and welcomed.
How do you think the district should ensure every student belongs?
Families and teachers in MPS persuaded me to run several weeks after the board approved the CDD in the midst of COVID-19 and the uprisings that followed the murder of George Floyd. I launched my campaign while families sheltered in place, three months after the deadline for the DFL and other major endorsements. I have learned that many organizations and individuals will only endorse DFL endorsed candidates. As a political scientist, I am seeing firsthand how this is playing out. However, running as a non-establishment candidate is very much in line with my background as a young activist and I am proud to represent and focus on the voices of all families, especially those who are being ignored by MPS.
