Strong Public Schools for Every Child.
I’m Nadeen Bir—mother of two DPS students, spouse of a DPS teacher, co-founder of Mothers* for Ceasefire, and a lifelong organizer for justice. I’m running for the Board of Education, District 2A, to help build schools that are safe, well-funded, and worthy of our kids.
Endorsements
I’m grateful to have the support of these community organizations!
My Priorities
Protect Students and Families from Harmful Enforcement
School should be a safe haven for children, families, and staff. Law-enforcement and immigration enforcement activity must not put students, families, or staff at risk. I will fight for equity—for immigrant families, Black and Brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and all who have been pushed to the margins
Budget Transparency
We need to have honest conversations about the budget, and that means we need accurate and timely financial reports. Board members need to know updated numbers regularly to be able to supervise and support the Superintendent. We need to be able to lead with justice in order to avoid crises and I will do it in the open, not behind closed doors.
DPS staff working conditions are student learning conditions
Every successful school system starts by trusting and supporting staff members and educators. I want structures where teachers lead, not just get consulted and ignored. When teachers have a voice, students win. We must not forget that classified workers are key to the infrastructure that allows our schools to function. They must be prioritized.
Pay Every Worker a Living Wage
No DPS employee should struggle to afford rent, food, or child care. We need a simpler, fairer salary system and a living wage for every worker—starting with those paid the least.
Our children deserve more than survival. They deserve joy, safety, and schools that believe in their brilliance.
Why I’m Running
Public schools changed my life and my family’s future. As the daughter of working-class Palestinian immigrants, I saw how access to strong public education could shift the trajectory for an entire family. My parents came to this country in the 1980s chasing the American Dream. They were forced out of high school—not from lack of ambition, but because of poverty and war. My family’s experience of displacement and injustice runs through my story—and it’s why I fight so hard for liberation. As a mother, I have seen how DPS teachers and staff supported my children to succeed. I want to see all children thrive, not just my own. All children deserve stability, safety, and opportunity. As a nonprofit management professional, my expertise in operations, human resources, and financial management will help us get the Durham Public Schools that we need. Because here’s the truth: passion without capacity doesn’t serve our kids. We need leaders who can ask tough budget questions, understand personnel policy, and make decisions rooted in student success. I bring the heart—and I bring the homework
Durham has:
- Incredible teachers and staff
- Brilliant, diverse students
- A deep justice centered community
- A public that overwhelmingly believes in public schools
What we don’t have is a Board that consistently honors that potential with clear priorities, transparent budgeting, and a long-term plan for learning. Public Education is under attack and we need to be prepared and take action.
I’m running because we can do better—and because our children can’t wait.
New Leadership, Not More of the Same
Durham cannot keep drifting from one budget crisis to the next while achievement slips and staff morale sinks. We need a board that:
- Shows up prepared
- Asks hard questions about the numbers
- Respects teachers and staff
- Holds administrators accountable
- And plans for the future, not just the next emergency
If you’re ready for honest conversations, accountable leadership, and schools that put students and workers first, I’m asking for your vote.
