Candidate Profile: Anupam Chugh Sidhu For P-CCS Schools

Anupam Chugh Sidhu, a Canton resident is running for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.

Age: 49
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family:I live in Canton with my husband and son.
Occupation:Instructional Technology Manager, Wayne RESA: 19 years
Previous elected experience:I have served on the board for four years and have led the district through numerous leadership roles including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Chair of the Student Performance and Achievement Committee.
Family members in government:My brother is a federal immigration judge in New York.
Campaign website: https://www.anupamforpccs.com/

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The most pressing issue in our state right now is COVID-19. We need to work at every level of our society to ensure that we are doing what we can to mitigate spread as we look at science, data, and research to guide the decisions that impact schools. At the school board, we are following the mandates and highly recommended protocols to plan for a safe return to in-person instruction and putting in additional resources to get proper cleaning supplies and staff. We are looking at all factors including ventilation systems, face coverings, staggering students to get proper physical space, along with working with medical experts and the county health department to make these important decisions.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
There are major differences between my opponent and I (for the partial 2-year term). First, I would like to highlight my experience and dedication to advancing opportunities for all students. I have been a classroom teacher, administrator, and community leader. I am serving my fourth year on the school board and work at the county level supporting schools in Wayne County. I also serve on multiple state organizations supporting students and educators, including Governor Whitmer’s Return to School Advisory Council. Second, I am a mother who has had to navigate education challenges with my child. This taught me empathy and understanding that all parents are fighting for the best opportunities for their child(ren). Third, I believe in supporting safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all of our students. I have worked with many parents on issues that are important to our community and it's important to continue building these relationships. We need leaders that will advance opportunities for all kids and I am that leader.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
This is my fourth year serving on the Plymouth-Canton School Board. During these four years, I have held multiple leadership positions on the board including Board President, Vice President, Secretary, and Chair the Student Performance and Achievement Committee. Earlier this year during my presidency, I led the efforts to the passing of our school bond which will help with aging infrastructure, facilities, and technology, create innovative learning spaces, and enhance security at all buildings. My other accomplishments include: 1) Serving on the School Research Finance Collaborative that was used by Governor Whitmer to add categorical dollars to increase student funding based on need. 2) Serving on multiple statewide organizations where we promote high quality professional learning opportunities for educators at no cost. 3) Experience working with multiple boards at the local and county level through my work at the regional education service agency.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
Everyone needs to do their part so that we can safely open up businesses and schools. Wear masks in public, wash hands regularly, and follow the cleaning guidelines for public places. Our state government leaders should work directly with the small business communities and local chambers of commerce to find ways to help them recover from the shutdown and loss in revenue.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
I am dedicated to the call for racial justice and understand that we have to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. A few years ago, the district moved toward the implementation of Restorative Practices to move away from punitive acts to supportive acts when dealing with student discipline. The data showed that children of color had higher rates of suspension, which kept those students out of class. We have seen progress, but need to make sure that all teachers are trained in Restorative Practices so that it becomes part of the culture and not an add-on program. I would like to see this program expanded within our community. During my presidency in the spring, I drafted a statement which was unanimously adopted by the board condemning racism and committing to systemic changes to include anti-racist curriculum and expanding anti-bias training. Additionally, the district has worked with our school reform officers at the high school and law enforcement to include them in our Restorative Practices initiative.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
I am committed to supporting safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments. My priorities for continuing the board work include advancing the equity work that was started over five years ago. This includes: 1) Advocating for policy to support our LGBTQ students. 2) Advancing the equity work to expand the anti-bias training along with intentional focus and effort on anti-racist efforts. 3) Eliminating the opportunity gaps that exist in some of our sub groups.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
As a former educator myself, I know first-hand how much of an impact teachers make on the lives of our students. We need to provide teachers with adequate resources and support to ensure student success. We want to create strong support systems at every level from classroom, to building, to community.