L. Jameel Shaheer
L. Jameel Shaheer ran for election for an at-large seat of the Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Shaheer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
L. Jameel Shaheer was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 1994. He graduated from St. Augustine High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dillard University in 1995. His career experience includes working as a business consultant and firefighter.[1]
Shaheer has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Phi Beta Sigma
- Griffin Lodge #264PHA
- NAACP
- Urban League
- Chesapeake Democratic Committee
- 900+ Men
Elections
2024
See also: Chesapeake Public Schools, Virginia, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Chesapeake Public Schools, At-large (4 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Chesapeake Public Schools, At-large on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Angie Swygert (Nonpartisan) | 13.6 | 52,965 | |
| ✔ | Norman Pool (Nonpartisan) | 12.1 | 47,024 | |
| ✔ | Malia Huddle (Nonpartisan)  | 12.0 | 46,661 | |
| ✔ | Elijah Colon (Nonpartisan) | 11.4 | 44,523 | |
| Daniel Stahler (Nonpartisan) | 10.8 | 42,001 | ||
 | L. Jameel Shaheer (Nonpartisan) | 9.8 | 38,036 | |
 | Rue Willis (Nonpartisan) | 9.4 | 36,751 | |
 | Gregory Dono (Nonpartisan) | 9.2 | 35,765 | |
 | Tom Mercer (Nonpartisan) | 6.5 | 25,501 | |
 | Samuel Boone (Nonpartisan) | 5.0 | 19,537 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 1,312 | ||
| Total votes: 390,076 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Shaheer in this election.
2019
See also: Louisiana House of Representatives elections, 2019
Louisiana elections use the majority-vote system. All candidates compete in the same primary, and a candidate can win the election outright by receiving more than 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate does, the top two vote recipients from the primary advance to the general election, regardless of their partisan affiliation.
General election
General election for Louisiana House of Representatives District 99
Candace Newell defeated Adonis Expose in the general election for Louisiana House of Representatives District 99 on November 16, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Candace Newell (D) | 54.6 | 8,254 |
| Adonis Expose (D) | 45.4 | 6,857 | ||
| Total votes: 15,111 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Louisiana House of Representatives District 99
Candace Newell and Adonis Expose defeated L. Jameel Shaheer in the primary for Louisiana House of Representatives District 99 on October 12, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Candace Newell (D) | 49.8 | 5,590 |
| ✔ | Adonis Expose (D) | 40.4 | 4,526 | |
| L. Jameel Shaheer (D) | 9.8 | 1,100 | |
| Total votes: 11,216 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Harold John (D)
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
L. Jameel Shaheer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shaheer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- One of L. Jameel Shaheer's key messages is the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of Chesapeake schools. He believes that when parents, educators, local businesses, and community members actively participate in the educational process, students are more likely to succeed. Shaheer emphasizes the need for strong partnerships between the schools and the community to ensure that resources, support, and opportunities are available to all students. By fostering open communication and collaboration, he aims to create an environment where everyone works together to uplift the next generation, making schools a cornerstone of the community.
- A second key message for L. Jameel Shaheer is fiscal responsibility. He believes that every dollar spent within the school system must be used wisely to directly benefit students, teachers, and the learning environment. Shaheer advocates for transparent budgeting processes and ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently to enhance educational programs, maintain facilities, and support teachers. He is committed to holding the school system accountable for its financial decisions, ensuring taxpayer money is managed prudently, and maximizing resources to improve the overall quality of education in Chesapeake.
- L. Jameel Shaheer's third key message is equity and inclusion. He is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to quality education and opportunities for success. Shaheer believes that a school system should reflect the diverse needs of its community and actively work to eliminate disparities in resources, support, and outcomes. By promoting inclusive policies and practices, he aims to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. His focus on equity ensures that no student is left behind, and that all are provided with the tools they need to thrive.
In The Alchemist, the protagonist, Santiago, embarks on a journey to follow his "Personal Legend," overcoming obstacles and learning valuable lessons along the way. Similarly, Shaheer's political philosophy is centered on the idea that every community and individual has a unique potential, and it's the responsibility of elected officials to help them realize it. Like Santiago’s journey, Shaheer believes that public service requires resilience, listening to others, and recognizing that challenges are part of the path to success.
Strong Communication Skills: I can effectively articulate ideas, listen to constituents, and engage with diverse communities to foster understanding and collaboration.
Commitment to Equity: I prioritize equity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes.
Analytical Thinking: I possess strong analytical skills, allowing me to evaluate policies critically and make informed decisions that benefit the community.
Integrity and Accountability: I am dedicated to transparency and ethical governance, understanding the importance of trust in public office.
Community Engagement: I have a passion for community involvement, actively seeking input and feedback from constituents to inform my actions and policies.
Problem-Solving Ability: I approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, working collaboratively to find effective and sustainable solutions.
Advocating for Students and Families: The primary responsibility is to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education and that their unique needs are met. This includes advocating for resources, programs, and policies that support student success and well-being.
Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility: It’s critical to manage the school district’s budget efficiently, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. This involves overseeing expenditures, making strategic decisions to prioritize funding, and ensuring transparency in financial operations.
Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Shaheer believes in creating policies that promote fairness and equal opportunity for all students, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or learning ability. This responsibility includes working to eliminate disparities and fostering an inclusive school environment.
Engaging the Community: Elected officials must listen to and engage with the community, including parents, teachers, and other stakeholders. Building strong community partnerships and ensuring transparency and collaboration are key.
Policy Development and Oversight: School board members are responsible for setting policies that shape the district’s direction. They must continuously review, develop, and refine policies to align with educational goals, compliance standards, and the evolving needs of students.
A school board member must also advocate for the needs of students, teachers, and families, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly, and that students from all backgrounds have access to the same opportunities for success. Fiscal responsibility, community involvement, and a focus on equity and inclusion are crucial to fulfilling these responsibilities.
Additionally, his constituents include community members who may not have children in the school system but are invested in the quality of education in their city, as they understand that a strong educational system contributes to the overall health and prosperity of the community. Shaheer aims to engage with all constituents to foster a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute to the dialogue about improving education and ensuring that all students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Equitable Resource Allocation: Ensure that funding and resources are distributed fairly across schools, taking into account the specific needs of each community. This includes advocating for additional support in underfunded areas to bridge achievement gaps.
Inclusive Curriculum and Programs: Promote a curriculum that reflects the diversity of the student body, incorporating various cultures, histories, and perspectives. This ensures that all students feel represented and valued in their education.
Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with parents, community organizations, and local stakeholders. Regular town hall meetings, forums, and surveys can provide platforms for feedback and collaboration, allowing families to voice their concerns and suggestions.
Professional Development: Support ongoing training for faculty and staff on cultural competency, equity, and inclusion. This training can help educators better understand and address the unique challenges faced by their students.
Support Services: Advocate for the availability of mental health services, counseling, and academic support tailored to the diverse needs of students. This includes recognizing the social and emotional challenges some students may face and providing resources to address them.
Extracurricular Opportunities: Encourage a variety of extracurricular programs that cater to different interests and backgrounds, ensuring that all students have opportunities to engage and excel outside the classroom.
Feedback Mechanisms: Implement systems for continuous feedback from students, parents, and staff to assess the effectiveness of policies and initiatives, ensuring that adjustments can be made to better meet community needs.
Community Engagement Events: Host regular community forums, town halls, and workshops to encourage dialogue between school board members, parents, students, and community members. These events will serve as platforms to discuss concerns, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions.
Partnerships with Local Organizations: Actively seek partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations that focus on education, youth development, and social services. Collaborating with groups like the Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce, local faith-based organizations, and youth advocacy groups can amplify resources and support for students and families.
Collaboration with City and County Officials: Establish strong lines of communication with city council members, county officials, and state representatives to advocate for educational funding, resources, and policies that benefit the community.
Involvement with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs): Work closely with PTAs and other parent organizations to understand their needs and involve them in decision-making processes. This can help strengthen the connection between schools and families.
Outreach to Underserved Communities: Make a concerted effort to reach out to underserved populations, including immigrant communities, low-income families, and families with special needs. Engaging with these groups ensures that their voices are heard and their unique challenges are addressed.
Support for Local Events: Participate in and support local events, fairs, and festivals to increase visibility and strengthen ties with the community. This can also serve as an opportunity to share information about school board initiatives and gather community feedback.
Clear Communication: Effectively explaining and guiding learning.
Adaptability: Meeting diverse learning needs with various methods.
Student Engagement: Actively involving students in learning.
Assessment and Feedback: Providing regular feedback to promote growth.
Passion: Inspiring students with enthusiasm and care.
Measuring good teaching:
Student outcomes
Classroom observations
Student feedback
Professional growth
Supporting advanced approaches:
Professional development
Collaboration and mentorship
Access to resources
Incentives for innovation
If given the opportunity, I would advance programs such as:
STEM and coding boot camps
Technical certifications in IT, manufacturing, or healthcare
Entrepreneurship and financial literacy courses
Apprenticeship and internship programs with local businesses
Maximize State and Federal Grants: Actively pursue available state and federal education grants, especially those targeting underfunded schools and special programs like STEM, technology, and vocational training.
Collaborate with Local Governments: Work closely with local governments to increase funding through budget prioritization, ensuring that education remains a top concern in the city’s financial planning.
Public-Private Partnerships: Develop partnerships with local businesses and corporations to sponsor programs, scholarships, or infrastructure improvements, bringing in additional resources without burdening taxpayers.
Advocate for Equitable Funding: Push for a more equitable funding model at the state level, ensuring that schools in lower-income areas receive adequate support based on student needs.
Prevention and Proactivity: Implement comprehensive safety measures, including anti-bullying programs, mental health resources, and conflict resolution training to address issues before they escalate.
Collaboration: Partner with local law enforcement, emergency services, and mental health professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to safety, with clear protocols in place.
Inclusion and Well-being: Foster an inclusive environment where every student feels secure, supported, and valued. Emotional and social well-being are essential components of safety.
Transparency and Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with parents, staff, and the community about safety policies, updates, and concerns, ensuring everyone is informed and involved.
Access to Resources: Ensure mental health professionals are available in every school and that students and staff have easy access to counseling services and support systems.
Training and Education: Provide regular training for teachers and staff to recognize mental health challenges early and intervene appropriately. This includes trauma-informed care and crisis intervention strategies.
Mental Health Programs: Implement ongoing mental health and wellness programs focused on stress management, resilience, and emotional well-being, tailored to the needs of both students and faculty.
Reducing Stigma: Promote a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or stigma.
Because he was outstanding in his field!
Equity and Inclusion: Strengthen policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the curriculum and hiring practices, ensuring that all students see themselves represented and valued in their education.
Mental Health Support: Implement comprehensive mental health policies that provide resources and support systems for students and staff, including access to counseling services and mental health education.
Parental Engagement: Develop policies that actively encourage parental involvement in school governance and decision-making processes, ensuring that parents have a meaningful voice in their children's education.
Technology Access: Establish a policy to ensure equitable access to technology for all students, particularly in underserved areas, to support remote learning and digital literacy.
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Hampton Roads Black Caucus
Equity and Access: Every student, regardless of background or ability, has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Safe and Supportive Atmosphere: Students feel physically and emotionally safe, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in their learning journey.
Innovative and Interactive: Classrooms equipped with modern technology, promoting hands-on learning and critical thinking through real-world applications.
Culturally Responsive: Lessons that reflect the diversity of students’ experiences and encourage global awareness, empathy, and respect for others.
Collaborative Learning: Opportunities for students to work together on projects, building teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
Teacher Empowerment: Teachers are supported through professional development, encouraged to innovate, and provided with the tools they need to meet the diverse needs of their students.
In the future, I would focus on:
Enhanced Planning: Develop a more robust contingency plan that includes better preparation for remote learning, ensuring all students have access to necessary technology.
Learning Recovery: Prioritize targeted interventions to address learning loss, such as extended tutoring and summer programs.
Mental Health Support: Strengthen mental health resources for students and staff to address the psychological impacts of such crises.
Regular Communication: Establish consistent channels of communication through newsletters, social media, and dedicated email updates to keep parents informed about school board meetings, initiatives, and events. This will help parents feel included and informed.
Parent Forums and Workshops: Organize regular forums and workshops where parents can share their concerns, ask questions, and participate in discussions about educational policies and practices. These events will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and feedback.
Parent Advisory Committees: Create parent advisory committees to involve parents in decision-making processes. These committees can provide valuable insights and perspectives on issues affecting students and schools.
Involvement in School Events: Encourage parents to participate in school events, such as open houses, back-to-school nights, and community service projects. Actively involving parents in school activities helps strengthen their connection to the school community.
Feedback Mechanisms: Implement surveys and feedback forms to gather input from parents on various topics, including school policies, curriculum, and student support services. Actively considering their feedback demonstrates that their opinions are valued.
Open-Door Policy: Maintain an open-door policy where parents feel welcome to reach out with their concerns or suggestions. Responding promptly and transparently to parent inquiries will help build trust and rapport.
Recognition of Parent Contributions: Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of parents and families to the school community. Highlighting their efforts in newsletters or during events can foster a sense of appreciation and community.
Targeted Recruitment: Engaging with universities, professional organizations, and diversity networks to reach top talent.
Competitive Compensation: Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and growth opportunities to attract and retain staff.
Professional Development: Prioritizing ongoing training and leadership development.
Collaborative Culture: Promoting teamwork and a positive work environment.
Diversity & Inclusion: Emphasizing a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Tech & Local Pipeline: Leveraging digital platforms and local partnerships for recruitment.
Community Engagement: Highlighting the district’s strong community ties and impact.
Shaheer emphasizes that financial transparency builds trust between the government and the community. Taxpayers and stakeholders deserve to know how their money is being used to benefit students, schools, and the broader community. He supports regular audits, detailed budget reports, and the use of accessible platforms for sharing financial information with the public.
Regarding government accountability, Shaheer holds that elected officials must be answerable for their actions, decisions, and policies. He believes it’s vital to create systems where the public can voice concerns, seek explanations, and ensure that the leadership is acting in the best interest of the people. In the context of the school board, this means ensuring that educational policies and financial decisions are not only transparent but also in alignment with the community’s needs, fostering a fair and equitable environment for all students.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
L. Jameel Shaheer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shaheer's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
affordable housing, education, economic development
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
healthcare, housing, education
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Thanksgiving family coming together
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
phone speed charger
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
no
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Chesapeake Public Schools, At-large |
Personal |
Footnotes
