Tirdad Daei

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Tirdad Daei

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

April 2, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Athens State University, 2005

Graduate

Chapman University, 2010

Ph.D

University of Charleston, 2019

Personal

Profession

Military

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal Twitter

Personal LinkedIn

Tirdad Daei ran for election for an at-large seat of the North Kansas City Public Schools Board of Education. He lost in the general election on April 2, 2024.

Daei completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Tirdad Daei earned a bachelor's degree from Athens State University in 2005. He earned a graduate degree from Chapman University in 2010 and a Ph.D. from the University of Charleston in 2019. His career experience includes working in the military.

Elections

2024

See also: North Kansas City Schools, Missouri, elections (2024)

General election

General election for North Kansas City Public Schools Board of Education (3 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for North Kansas City Public Schools Board of Education on April 2, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Susan Hines (Nonpartisan)	20.9	3,955
✔	Submit photo	Jane Rinehart (Nonpartisan)	19.6	3,706
✔		Joe Jacobs (Nonpartisan)	19.3	3,653
		Aryn Peters (Nonpartisan)	15.5	2,938
		Roy Copeland III (Nonpartisan)	10.1	1,909
		Brock Foley (Nonpartisan)	9.0	1,712
		Tirdad Daei (Nonpartisan)	5.6	1,063

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 18,936
= 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Daei in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Tirdad Daei completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Daei's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Dr. Tirdad Daei, an educator with a passion for serving and enhancing educational opportunities for all students.

As a dedicated educator with 16 years of experience with the U.S. Army and higher education, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. My journey as a parent with a daughter in the district has deepened my commitment to ensuring that every student receives the support and resources they need to succeed.

My dedication to service has been recognized with many awards including the prestigious Superior Service Medal, the second highest U.S. Army medal. I am a 3rd degree Black Belt in Judo (Sandan) with class C national coaching certificate from USJA and certified regional referee. I was inducted into Masters Hall of Fame in 2010.

Moreover, as multiple incumbents are seeking re-election, it's time to bring change and national-level experience to our district. I've published 16 books, and my recent six-year research, published by the Library of Congress, demonstrates my dedication to education and research. Serving on the Policy and Guidance Oversight Committee for the Army University and as a member of the Fort Leavenworth National Security Education Consortium, I bring a deep understanding of national-level policies and diverse perspectives. As a co-author and action officer for multiple policies, I know how to work with various stakeholders, ensuring every voice is heard. God Bless!

~ Dr. Daei

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Parental Engagement: Foster open dialogue about curriculum & book selection, offering alternatives when necessary while meeting educational objectives.

  • Public School Support: Advocate for funding and resources to meet diverse student needs, engaging in advocacy efforts at all levels of government. • Teacher Well-being: Recognize & celebrate teachers' hard work, providing resources & support for stress management & self-care. • Attendance Improvement: Implement targeted interventions to address underlying causes of absenteeism, such as counseling, transportation & support services.

  • Global Preparedness: Prepare students for the global market by educating them on global issues, technology & practical skills.
• COMPETITIVE TEACHER SALARIES: I recognize the vital role that teachers play in shaping young minds and building our community's future. I am committed to advocating for competitive salaries that attract and retain the best educators, fostering stability and excellence in our schools. ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES: To address budgetary constraints, I will explore innovative funding opportunities, such as grants, forecasting revenue sources, partnerships and fundraising with local businesses initiatives to reduce dependence on tax revenue.
• EQUITABLE ACCESS TO RESOURCES: Every student deserves access to resources that facilitate their academic success and personal growth. Community Engagement and Partnership: Collaboration with parents, families, and community stakeholders is essential for fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. CONTINUOUS MONITORING AND IMPROVEMENT: Data-driven decision-making is crucial for identifying areas of improvement and addressing inequities within our district. I will prioritize regular assessment and monitoring of educational outcomes to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Accountability: Evaluate the track record of the incumbents. Have they fulfilled their promises and responsibilities to the community during their tenure?

Fresh Perspectives: Consider the value of introducing new voices and ideas to the board. It's essential to ensure diversity of thought and representation.

Transparency: Encourage candidates to be transparent about their goals, plans, and priorities if elected. Voters deserve to know what they can expect from their elected officials.

Community Engagement: Emphasize the importance of voter participation and engagement in the electoral process. Every vote counts, and it's crucial for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I recommend visiting www.drdaei.org and reading the articles in my blog or visiting my LinkedIn page to gain insight into my political philosophy. These platforms provide comprehensive information about my views, experiences, and priorities, allowing individuals to understand my perspective on governance, education, and community engagement in depth.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, transparency, responsiveness, and a commitment to serving the community's best interests. These principles guide effective leadership, ensuring that decisions are made ethically, communication is open & honest, constituents' concerns are addressed promptly, and policies prioritize the well-being and success of those served. Additionally, accountability, inclusivity, and a dedication to fundamental values such as education and equity are paramount, shaping policies and actions to benefit the community as a whole.

As an educator with 16 years of experience in the U.S. Army and higher education, I am running for the North Kansas School Board to bring a unique blend of leadership, expertise, and dedication to the table. My commitment to service, recognized through prestigious awards like the Superior Service Medal, underscores my passion for enhancing educational opportunities for all students. With a doctorate in Executive Leadership and a master's degree in Education, specializing in instructional technology, I am equipped with the skills needed to lead effectively and leverage modern teaching methodologies.

My vision for the North Kansas City Schools revolves around equity, diversity, and inclusion. I firmly believe that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a high-quality education that nurtures their potential and empowers them to thrive. To achieve this vision, I have outlined key priorities for my campaign, including advocating for competitive teacher salaries, exploring alternative funding sources, ensuring equitable access to resources, fostering community engagement and partnerships, and implementing continuous monitoring and improvement measures.

In addressing critical issues facing our schools, such as declining student enrollment and decreasing teacher salaries, I bring a wealth of experience and a proactive approach.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the office of the school board include representing the interests, values, and beliefs of the community they serve. This entails making informed decisions that align with the community's priorities and promote academic excellence, equitable access to resources, and a safe learning environment for all students. Additionally, fostering transparency and accountability in governance, advocating for adequate funding and resources, and collaborating with stakeholders to address challenges and implement effective policies are essential duties. Ultimately, the primary goal is to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education that aligns with the community's values and prepares them for success in school and beyond.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman. This book profoundly explores the dual processes of thought: intuitive, emotional "fast" thinking and deliberate, analytical "slow" thinking. It resonates with me deeply because it emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, careful consideration, and the awareness of cognitive biases in decision-making.

My experience in the U.S. Army and higher education has reinforced the significance of thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making in complex environments. As someone with national-level experience and formal education and training, I understand the importance of considering all options, weighing different perspectives, and making informed choices that best serve the community.

Running for the school board represents a commitment to applying these principles to address the challenges facing our district and advocate for positive change. It's time to bring fresh perspectives, proactive leadership, and a dedication to excellence to our educational system. By drawing upon my experience and the insights from "Thinking, Fast and Slow," I aim to foster a culture of critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation that ensures every student receives a high-quality education and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to represent the community's interests and values while ensuring the delivery of high-quality education. Drawing from my experience in the US Army and higher education, I believe school board members must bring leadership, accountability, and a commitment to excellence to their role. This entails setting policies that promote student success, advocating for adequate resources, and fostering transparency and accountability in governance. Additionally, school board members should collaborate with stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community members, to address challenges, support innovation, and create a positive learning environment for all students.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are the diverse members of the community served by the school district. This includes students, parents, educators, school staff, taxpayers, and residents within the district boundaries. As a school board member, I am accountable to these constituents and responsible for representing their interests, values, and priorities in decision-making processes. By engaging with and listening to my constituents, I aim to ensure that the policies and actions of the school board align with the needs and aspirations of the community.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Recognizing the urgent need for change, I will draw upon my extensive experience to address the diverse needs of our district's students, faculty, staff, and community. With a background in the U.S. Army and higher education, I bring a wealth of leadership, accountability, and commitment to excellence to the table. As we navigate this pivotal moment, I am dedicated to championing policies and initiatives that promote positive transformation and better serve every individual within our district.

My approach is rooted in proactive action and meaningful change. I understand that embracing diverse perspectives and engaging with the community are essential components of effective governance. As a school board member, I will actively seek input from all stakeholders, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. Together, we can forge a path forward that reflects the values and aspirations of our district while propelling us toward a brighter future.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

To build relationships with the broader community, I will actively engage with various groups, organizations, and stakeholders. Specifically, I'll target Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Advisory Councils, local businesses, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, community groups, faith-based organizations, local government, and civic leaders. By attending meetings, participating in discussions, and listening to feedback, I aim to understand the needs and concerns of families, local businesses, and diverse community groups. Collaborating with nonprofit organizations and community groups will help identify areas of need and opportunities for partnership. Engaging with faith-based organizations will foster connections and promote shared values. Partnering with local government and civic leaders will allow for coordination on mutual concerns like infrastructure and public safety. Through these efforts, I am committed to building trust, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that our district serves the diverse needs and interests of all community members.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

To build relationships with parents in the district, I will prioritize open communication, accessibility, and meaningful engagement. Firstly, I will actively participate in Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Advisory Councils, and other parent-focused events to connect directly with parents and listen to their concerns and ideas. Secondly, I will establish regular channels of communication, such as newsletters, email updates, and social media platforms, to keep parents informed about district news, policies, and initiatives. Additionally, I will create opportunities for two-way communication, such as town hall meetings, parent forums, and listening sessions, where parents can voice their opinions and ask questions. Thirdly, I will collaborate with parents as partners in their children's education, seeking their input on important decisions and involving them in the development of policies and programs that affect students. Finally, I will strive to be approachable and responsive, making myself available to address individual parent concerns and inquiries promptly and respectfully. By fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration, I aim to build strong relationships with parents and create a supportive community where every child can thrive.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental pillars of my political philosophy, reinforced by my extensive training in these areas during my 16 years with the US Army. I firmly believe that transparency in financial matters is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible management of taxpayer funds. Governments must be transparent in their budgeting, spending, and financial reporting processes to allow constituents to understand how public resources are allocated and utilized. Similarly, robust accountability mechanisms, including audits and public hearings, are essential for holding elected officials and public servants accountable for their actions and decisions. Upholding these principles promotes integrity, efficiency, and trust in our democratic institutions, ultimately serving the best interests of the community.

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

What's on the ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

North Kansas City Public Schools Board of Education

Website

Facebook

Personal

Twitter

LinkedIn