Dr. Mariam Mahmud, Region V.
A position has opened on the Central Bucks School Board.
On Wednesday night, board members voted unanimously 6-0 to accept the resignation of board Vice President Dr. Mariam Mahmud, who is moving out of the district, effective Wednesday.
Mahmud, and Board Directors Dana Foley and Rick Haring were absent from the meeting.
Mahmud represented Region V of the district: Chalfont Borough, New Britain Township South 1 & 2, and New Britain Township West 1 & 2.
Board Director Rob Dugger read the following resignation letter on Mahmud’s behalf:
I want the CBSD community and district to know that it has been an absolute honor to serve as
school board director for over 2 years.
I sought election to best serve our students, staff and community and I am proud to have worked towards that every day while on this board.
It has been a true honor to work alongside President Karen Smith as Vice President of the board. She has been an even, balanced and strong leader navigating us through challenging times.
I am proud to always aspire to the motto of serving every child every day.
I feel privileged to have been a part of the district’s important and immense work towards grade realignment and the initiation of full day kindergarten. In addition, I am excited for my role in the board’s work of selecting a strong and skilled leader in our new superintendent, Steve Yanni.
Thank you to my fellow school board directors. The work of the school board is an immense volunteer and selfless responsibility that few undertake. I have developed deep relationships with many of you and our district is so fortunate to have you. I look forward to the great work that each school board director will put into this district and wish you each the very best.
To the staff, teachers and administrators that make this school what it is. Thank you for your constant and ongoing dedication to our schools. It is seen and valued. You have played a tremendous role in supporting the development and growth of my kids and countless others in your amazing work.
I want to thank the great community of region 5 for placing their trust in me. My family and I love this district so much that though we will move out of this region, we will remain in district.
I have worked very hard towards the goal hearing those not often heard. My favorite author Arundhati Roy has said, “There's really no such thing as the 'voiceless'. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard.”
I challenge each of us in positions of leadership to remember this quote. I aspire to the same.
I trust that though the work of the district will continue to bring many challenges, things will head in the right direction.
In conclusion, it is with great sadness but great hope for a positive future in CB that I must leave my position. I do hope to see many community members apply for the remainder of the region 5 term on school board, bringing the energy and resolve to strengthen and build our great public schools, always centering each child’s needs.
Board President Karen Smith (Region I) said the board has been extremely fortunate to have Dr. Mahmud for two-and-a-half years.
“I know I have valued her professional advice as a pediatrician very much,” Smith said. “More than that, Mariam is a deeply kind and empathetic person, and her first thoughts and actions were always focused on what is the right thing to do for our students. She seems to be a sweet and gentle person, until she senses that kids might be in danger, and then she was a force to be reckoned with.”
Smith said she and Mahmud had faced difficult battles side by side.
“I will miss her quiet strength. Enjoy your new home, Mariam, with your family,” Smith said.
Interested taxpayers in Region V of the school district may submit resumes to be considered for a appointment to the vacant vice presidency seat. According to the district website, a citizen will be appointed by the board to fill this position until he or she is replaced by the individual elected in the next Municipal Election.
Resumes are due to the school district by Aug. 22.
Aside from residency in Region V, here are other rules for the position:
Be of good moral character, be at least eighteen years of age, have been a resident of the district for at least one year prior to the date of his/her election or appointment, and not be a holder of any office or position as specified in Section 322 of the School Code; nor shall the individual be a member of the municipal council.
1. Shall not have been removed from any office of trust under federal, state, or local laws for any malfeasance in such office.
2. Shall not be engaged in a business transaction with the school district, be employed by the school district, or receive pay for services from the school district, except as provided by law.
3. Shall take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation prescribed by statute before entering the duties of the office.
4. Shall file a statement of financial interests with the Board Secretary or designee at the following times:
1. Before taking the oath of office or entering upon his/her duties.
2. Annually by May 1 while serving on the Board.
3. By May 1 of the year after leaving the Board.
More information is available on the position here.
