Meet a School Board Candidate: Dr. Mariam Mahmud

"I am an advocate for children, families, and those whose voice is not being heard."

As the May 18 election rapidly approaches we meet yet another amazing Bucks Countian running for school board. It is important to rally around candidates like Dr. Mariam Mahmud, as her experience, vision, and approach will offer the type of leadership needed to navigate the challenges local schools are facing and to ensure all students will receive the resources they need.

[To see what is at stake May 18 read: Vote against right-wing extremism May 18]

Dr. Mariam Mahmud is a proud Pennsylvanian. She is a pediatrician, advocate for children and families and a mom to 4 kids in the Central Bucks School District. Mariam has practiced pediatrics for over 10 years. She believes strongly in supporting patients and families. She has served on a board of directors for the ARC Alliance, worked on improving access to mental health care for children, and served as medical director for a large medical screening program for the underserved. She is currently a fellow in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Mariam loves cooking, gardening, and hikes with her family. 

Why are you running for school board?

I would like to serve my community. I am a pediatrician and mom to 4 kids in the district. I am an advocate for children, families, and those whose voice is not being heard. I hope to bring these experiences and knowledge to support our schools.  

What do you identify as the top education issues folks must confront in your school district, in Pennsylvania, and nationally? 

I am running to bring the mental health of children to the forefront of our schools. Mental health issues affect 1 in 5 children and are unrecognized in almost 50 percent of them. This has been a huge issue pre-pandemic and has only worsened with depressive symptoms having increased threefold. Mental health is an issue locally, across the state and nationally. Mental health issues include social emotional learning, equity and inclusion, affect children with disabilities, families and staff. Our schools’ counselor to student ratio is lower than state standards. We can do better. Access for children is a huge problem. Further, there are funds that will flow to school districts across the nation including the American Rescue Act and we need to be smart in how we use them.

How can folks get involved with your campaign? 

Please visit: www.electdrmariam.com

Which journalists, writers, podcasts, and/or publications do you turn to for information and inspiration?

As a Pediatrician, I turn to resources from The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia which offer smart, nuanced and evidence-based guidelines and reports for children and schools.  In addition, I am an avid reader and enjoy a broad array of works. Right now I am reading “Healing the Mind through the Power of Story,” by Lewis Mehl-Madrona, and Adam Grant’s recent work “Think Again.” 

Thanks for reading! I look forward to your feedback and suggestions.