Evanston Township High School District 202 Board of Education member Mirah Anti said “unfinished business” motivated her to seek another term.

Originally appointed in 2021, Anti also serves as the assistant superintendent for diversity, equity and inclusion at Township High School District 113.

Anti spoke with The Daily about her tenure and reelection campaign.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

The Daily: What went into your decision to seek another term on the school board?

Anti: Honestly, I’m exhausted, and in some ways, I could look forward to stepping away. But we invited (Superintendent Marcus) Campbell to bring forward bold initiatives — things that require us to vote, to stand behind our words and take action. I feel like we’re just getting started with those programs, and I want to continue working.

When I first joined the board, it was right after COVID. That was a historic moment, and we’re in a new era with artificial intelligence and other emerging challenges. I feel compelled to be part of navigating that transition.

The Daily: What is your proudest accomplishment from this term, and what are your biggest priorities moving forward?

Anti: Hiring Dr. Campbell was a major accomplishment. 

Looking ahead, I want to focus on amplifying student voices. We have a student representative on the board, and I’ve noticed her role feels more engaged compared to student liaisons in other districts. But I think we can go further.

I recently overheard students at the movie theater discussing the history and humanities departments at ETHS, expressing frustration about limited course options. It made me realize we might not be capturing enough direct student feedback. We need mechanisms — whether surveys, listening sessions or something else — that allow students to share their opinions.

The Daily: Recently, racial equity — whether in academics, attendance or discipline — has been a major point of contention for the district. Looking back on your tenure on the board, how has the conversation around this issue evolved? 

Anti: Why do we constantly talk about measuring our kids? We know our students are brilliant, so the real question isn’t why students aren’t achieving at certain levels — it’s why our institutions aren’t equipped to serve them effectively. Instead of focusing on student performance as the problem, we should be asking what’s happening in our schools, our staffing and our accountability structures.

The idea that racial disparities are inherent rather than institutional perpetuates stereotypes. The real work is addressing root causes, and that means looking at how adults — educators, administrators, policymakers — are shaping outcomes. 

The Daily: What do you imagine the board’s role in addressing those root causes looks like? Beyond hiring more diverse staff, what else should be prioritized?

Anti: Hiring a diverse staff is valuable, but it’s not enough. Diversity isn’t just about surface-level representation. It’s about how lived experiences shape skills.

Professional development is key. Even well-intentioned educators may not always know the best ways to support students equitably. But right now, teachers are overworked. They’re teaching 125 students across eight periods, with one period to eat, one period to plan — that really isn’t sufficient. We need to make changes to support them. 

The Daily: Nationwide, school boards are increasingly politicized and drawn into “culture wars.” How should District 202 manage this challenge?

Anti: We are elected officials, and education is inherently political. That said, I don’t believe all voices need to be heard equally. If someone’s viewpoint is rooted in hate or denies another’s humanity, that’s not a perspective we need to hear. 

At the same time, if someone is resistant to diversity, equity or inclusion, I want to understand why. What fear or loss are they experiencing? That kind of engagement allows for more productive conversations. 

That’s a nuanced stance, but I believe it’s the right one for our board and ETHS.

Email: jackbaker2028@u.northwestern.edu 

X: @jdowb2005

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