Janet Siddiqui

Janet Siddiqui, 46, is a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins and currently serves on the Board of Education.

She has an MD from the Eastern Virginia Medical School with a specialty in Pediatrics from the Georgetown University Medical Center and a BA in Biology from SUNY, Buffalo. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

She is a current Board of Education member, a pediatrician for Johns Hopkins Community Physicians and part of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine part-time faculty. She has also served on the HCPSS Anti-bullying Task force, the HCPSS Citizens Advisory Committee, the Howard County Dept. of Citizen Services, the Community Services Grant review committee and the Patuxent River Commission. She volunteers at local health fairs and clinics, and is a resident of 22 years.

• My educational background and profession as a pediatrician brings a unique perspective to the board, with an understanding of child development. I understand the needs of the "whole" child, the cognitive, physical, emotional and social needs. As a parent with children in the school system, I understand the issues faced by most parents today and share the same concerns. As a current Board of Education member I have the experience, leadership, background and knowledge to handle the fiscal responsibilities of the board.
• The most urgent concern for our school system is continuing to be one of the best in the nation while closing achievement gaps. As a board member and advocate for children, I would like to continue to focus my attention on maintaining and enhancing our reputation and to continue to close those gaps. This not only requires leadership, accountability and collaboration with the community, it requires a thoughtful approach to maintain the balance between the needs of the students, teachers, facilities and staff. We must strive for academic success for all students, using proven techniques, effective programs, methods and latest technology. We must address issues for our schools in need of renovations in fiscally responsible and equitable ways. We must continue to support and maintain our qualified teachers by offering competitive salaries and professional development.
• Some of the things I would like to do are: maintain and improve academic excellence; find ways to address the individual needs of each child; provide equitable compensation and professional development for teachers; improve facilities, technology and wellness initiatives; engage parents and the community to work together to close the achievement gap, and to prepare students for the future.
• While the school system continues to make strides in helping low-performing students and low- performing schools, each student needs to achieve academic success. Good principal leadership in the schools, working with community and school leaders, engaging parents, setting high standards and using proven effective methods and programs will help to continue to close those gaps.
• In order to make our schools more environmentally friendly or green, an energy audit at each school should be considered. This would help to determine effective and economical changes that can be put in place. As we renovate schools, we should try to incorporate energy efficient ideas. We should continue to encourage students, schools, and the community to learn and practice Green initiatives.
• I will continue to listen to parents while finding ways for increased collaboration between the HCPSS and community groups as it relates to school renovations, redistricting and other matters. I support a safe educational environment for our children, and will continue to use my knowledge in such areas as Internet safety, cyber-bullying, gang activity and health and physical education issues for a better student community.
• I will help to facilitate the expectations of our community by continuing academic achievement of all students, ensuring that every student is challenged and is able to achieve full potential. We need to recruit and retain quality teachers and provide them with the latest technology, resources and training for success in their mission.

Web site:http://www.janetsiddiqui.com
E-mail address: janet@janetsiddiqui.com

Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and the League of Women Voters.