GUDDIGA DUGSIGA EE MPS

I’m Abdul Abdi, your District 1 School Board Director, Finance Chair, and an MPS parent. I’m running for re-election to keep students at the center by listening to families, supporting educators, and working together to ensure every student feels valued, challenged, and prepared for the future.

Schools need flexibility to meet their students’ needs, and their input is essential in decisions about staffing, scheduling, and student support. That flexibility should be balanced with equity and accountability. Last year, schools and district teams partnered on class size caps to create better learning environments and keep students at the center of every decision. I would encourage stronger collaboration between the school community and the district.

Growing enrollment is part of the solution, but not the only one. We must provide great schools while making responsible, data-driven decisions. That’s why the Board moved forward with a districtwide Transformation Plan that includes community voices and builds a sustainable future for our students.

Parents, students, educators, and community members should be partners in every major decision. My role is to listen before acting. The best decisions come from meaningful engagement, transparency, and ensuring every voice is heard and reflected in the future of our schools.

Concerns are warranted, and they should keep all of us focused on improving student achievement. We’re not where we need to be, but we are making progress. I’ll continue supporting the Science of Reading, evidence-based instruction, teacher training, early intervention, and strong family partnerships to help every student read at grade level.