Editor’s Note: As the Aug. 26 primary election draws closer, the Plant City Times & Observer will be publishing profiles and Q&As from each of the candidates who will represent Plant City and its constituents.
In this final edition before the primary, we introduce the candidates for the hotly contested Hillsborough County School Board District 6: incumbent April Griffin and her challengers, Asher Edelson, Alison McGillivray Fernandez, Dr. Stacy Hahn, Paula Meckley, Dipa Shah, Lee Sierra and Randy Toler. We also present School Board District 2 candidate Michelle Popp Shimberg. That race also includes candidates Sally Harris and Michael Weston, but neither returned repeated inquires by phone and email seeking comment.
DIPA SHAH
Age: 43
Family: Husband, Dr. Suketu Shah; Devan Shah and Jaysan Shah
Hometown: Valrico
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration and Juris doctorate
Experience: Licensed to practice law for 19-plus years; 12-plus years of volunteer service in schools, community service
Favorite author and book: I have read so many books and such a variety of books that it is hard to identify one author let alone one book. I enjoy reading inspirational books, philosophy, economics, fantasy, thrillers, religion and spirituality — anything that helps me become a better person or, occasionally, just entertaining.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Abraham Lincoln
Website: VoteDipa.com
What’s the biggest challenge the School Board faces, and what are your solutions?
The board has become fractured, and it is time for fresh perspectives. There will not be any progress until these issues are resolved. Second, the district is the eighth largest in the country and serves a diverse community. The district is responsible for educating more than 200,000 students. There has to be better communication and engagement with the families and community members. As a parent, I often feel that I am unaware of many issues and matters that impact me. My goal is to improve communications and engage the community in identifying and solving problems. Many times the issues raised by parents, teachers and administrators fall on deaf ears. I intend to work with administration so that there is better communication and all issues are addressed.
Are teachers paid adequately? Why or why not?
In an ideal world, teachers would be paid more. However, education is a public sector job and paid from tax dollars, so salaries are lower and offset by intangibles. As a School Board member, my goal will be to make sure teachers are supported as much as possible, so that their jobs are more enjoyable. I will look closely at the budget to maximize resources and money into the classroom.
What is your position on Common Core and the new Florida Standards curriculum?
I do not support the Common Core/Florida Standards. The CCSS/FS have been touted as being designed to raise the bar in education. However, there has not been any vetting or long-term evaluation of the standards or whether the new teaching styles are truly effective. As a parent, I have seen a decline in the quality of education since CCSS were adopted. The curriculum restricts the teacher from teaching. Teachers are professionals trained in the craft of teaching. We must respect their professionalism and let them teach to the student in the classroom. Each child is different, and the teacher working together with the parents are the best at determining how to teach the child.
What skills and experiences make you the best candidate for School Board?
The School Board position is an advisory and administrative position. It is about how to manage the district more effectively and efficiently. I have the experiences as a school volunteer to give me insights to the issues inside the classroom and inside of our schools. As an attorney, I have been trained to identify problems and to find solutions through an analytical process. For all of my professional career, I have worked with organizations to identify problems in the organizations and to devise and implement plans to make the organization more effective and efficient. As a School Board member, my focus will be on providing the highest quality education to each student, so the student is equipped with the skills and tools he or she needs as a foundation for their future. When the student leaves the doors of a Hillsborough County school, the student should be fully prepared for the next step in life, whether it be college, career, vocation or trade.
What are some of the issues facing schools in Plant City, and what are your proposed solutions?
Some of the issues facing schools in Plant City stem from the diverse and growing population. As a School Board member, I intend to work with the families and community members of Plant City to identify the issues and to develop plans and policies to solve the problems.
The best way to find a solution is to experience the situation first-hand. This is accomplished by visiting schools and visiting neighborhoods. Over the years, I have made many friends in Plant City and have engaged in activities in Plant City, from visiting with friends, going to soccer games at the Plant City fields on Park Road, to being a regular customer at businesses in Plant City and, of course, the Florida Strawberry Festival. My experiences and connections to Plant City will help me be a voice for my neighbors in Plant City.