Name: Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, 23

Office sought: Lewiston School Committee, Ward 1, (ward includes Main Street, area around Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge, seat being vacated by Linda Scott).

Social media: https://www.facebook.com/ASheikhSchoolWard1/

Education: 2012 graduate Lewiston High School, 2017 Bates College graduate

Occupation: behavioral health professional at Dingley School, a suspension diversion program), Lewiston School Department 

Family: single, with extended family in Lewiston

Political experience: none. “There’s a need for advocates to step up and speak out for the future of our students.” 

 1. Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this seat, and why are you running?

After years of misrepresentation in the schools and the School Committee failing to address the concern that many students and parents had, I bring the voices of the disconcerting families. I understand the complex dynamics of family-student-teacher-administrative relationships. The decision-making process in our school needs a new face for a changing demographic, and I aim to represent that.

 2. What do you like, and what don’t you like, about the school budget passed in the spring? ($41.75 million in Auburn, up by $1 million; $74.3 million in Lewiston, up by $5.5 million)

The city needs more financial freedom to spend on much needed improvements for the schools. The $5.5 million increase gives the the school the financial freedom to spend on additional services for special education teachers, ed techs, and more ELL teachers to support the growing ELL student population. The increase in the budget could be used for more robust tutoring/mentorship programs for students and teacher assistants as well.

 3. When it comes to property taxes, what kind of budget would you support this spring?

I believe a discussion on property taxes greatly depends on the outcome of the merger vote. If the merger is passed, the potential for alleviating financial stressors could align with decreased property taxes for residents in both Lewiston and Auburn. The decrease in taxes will likely affect residents living in more densely populated areas, downtown Lewiston and some neighborhoods in Auburn. 

4. What, to you, is the biggest issue facing Lewiston or Auburn schools, and how would you like to see it addressed? 

Schools are an integral part of a child’s mental, emotional and social development. Holding teachers accountable for the lasting influence they have over students is a critical piece that many schools overlook. When a student is unfairly or disproportionately punished, there’s not so much as a ‘sorry’ from the teacher or administrator.  Teachers need more support and services to help youth develop better strategies for addressing social and emotional stressors. The contradictory practices that have been in effect for years discriminate against students by teachers and administrators who don’t have enough time or knowledge to support students, and students are ostracized into the suspension-expulsion pipeline.

 5. Do you support the merger of Lewiston and Auburn?

Yes. The merger of Lewiston and Auburn offers more opportunities for residents in Lewiston and Auburn for growth and collective engagement municipal decisions. … Businesses will benefit in the long run and after a shift in residencies, the schools will benefit as well.

Ahmed Sheikh 

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