With a clear vision and a firm commitment to justice, transparency, and the well-being of the entire school community, Nadeen Bir seeks to become, in the primary elections March 3rd, the new member of the Durham City Board of Education, representing District 2.
Nadeen Bir, shared with Enlace Latino NC that their priorities They start from “a fundamental conviction: public schools must be safe, fair and sustainable spaces for students, families and educational staff.”
“I am a mother deeply committed to public education and the school community of Durham Public Schools (DPS)”, he said.
“I have two children in the system and, for the past three years, I have been actively involved in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at our school, where I have served as fundraising president,” she added.
In addition, Nadeen Bir noted that her commitment to public schools is also closely linked to her family, as her husband is a music teacher at Lakeview School, which “keeps them deeply involved in the well-being and future of Durham public schools.”
Support for Latino parents
Bir also highlighted that during her time with the PTA she supported the organization of Latino parents, coordinating community activities such as dine-outs, collaborated in cultural events and accompanied the school's efforts to protect and support immigrant students and their families.
Furthermore, he indicated that he currently serves as room parent from a fourth and fifth grade classroom and is part of the Public School Strong team, focused on advocating for and supporting immigrant communities within her school.
“In this role I have played a key part communicating with Spanish-speaking families to bring them food, accompany them and check on their well-being in times of crisis,” she said.
Commitment to public education
Bir shared with Enlace Latino NC that his personal history as an immigrant profoundly marks his commitment to public education.
In 1982, her family emigrated to the United States after being forced to drop out of high school because of poverty and war.
Bir is originally from Palestine, she was born in Kuwait, where her family lived as migrants and refugees so that her father could work and support the family.
“My parents had immense courage. They made a difficult decision so that their children could have opportunities that they themselves never had,” she commented.
“I come from a working-class family. When we arrived in this country, my dad worked cutting meat in a grocery store, and my mom, along with my siblings and me, worked in a restaurant,” he recalled.
Bir emphasized that, thanks to the community's investment in public schools, each of them was able to go further than the previous generation.
“I was the first person in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree and I have experienced firsthand what public education can make possible,” she stated.
A learning process that continues
The school board candidate shared that she grew up speaking English and Arabic, and at age 14 she began studying Spanish, "a learning process that has continued throughout her life."
Bir noted that his work with the Latino community has been fundamental in his development.
“I have learned so much through my work with the Latino community, accompanying farm workers "In eastern North Carolina, to workers in the poultry and Christmas tree industries in the western part of the state, and working with youth and families in Durham," he said.
I understand the role of the school board
Bir explained that his academic background and professional experience give him the tools to analyze public policies and manage resources responsibly and transparently.
“I have a degree in Political Science and Spanish, studies in Latin America and the Caribbean, and a certificate in accounting for non-profit organizations,” she mentioned.
In addition, Nadeen Bir highlighted her experience in administration, human resources, and finance, holding leadership roles in The Hispanic Center and Southern Vision Alliance.
“This experience allows me to understand the Board of Education as a leadership and management body, whose main responsibility is to supervise and support the superintendent to ensure the proper functioning of public schools,” he explained.
“In that role, the Board must ensure that the school system responds effectively to the needs of all families, especially those that have historically been marginalized,” he said.
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Protecting students and families
When asked about her top three priorities if elected, Nadeen Bir mentioned: protecting students and families from harmful control practices; budget transparency; and the working conditions of DPS staff.
“Schools must be safe spaces for children, families, and staff,” she said.
"The presence or intervention of law enforcement or immigration agencies should never put students, families, or school workers at risk," he said.
Regarding budget transparency, Bir asserted that “honest conversations are needed about the audiovisualAnd that is only possible if we have accurate and timely financial reports.”
“The members of the School Board must receive updated information on a regular basis in order to properly supervise and support the superintendent,” he said.
With respect to the Labor conditions Speaking about the DPS staff, the candidate mentioned that every “successful school system begins by trusting its staff and supporting educators.”
“I want structures where teachers lead, not just be consulted and then ignored. When workers have a voice, students win.”
We cannot forget that classified workers are fundamental to the infrastructure that allows our schools to function day after day. They must be a priority,” he stated.
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Durham, a committed community
Bir describes Durham as a city with a deep tradition of social justice and a committed community, which lays the foundation for building a strong and inclusive school system.
“My values are fundamental to me. I strongly support the African American community, immigrants, and the LGBTQI community,” she stated.
“I believe in the rights of indigenous peoples and in a free Palestine. I am against war, I defend workers' rights, and I believe in the importance of a free press,” he said.
Finally, Nadeen Bir stressed that Durham's public schools are going through a critical time that requires new leadership.
“In particular, District 2 needs a Board of Education member with experience in finance and human resources, capable of driving change and strengthening the functioning of the school system,” she commented.
In addition, the candidate assured that, if elected, she will work alongside the superintendent to transform the culture of DPS.
“Supporting educational staff, ensuring that students thrive in all schools, and building trust with families.”
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