Hello! My name is Anisha and as a mother, education advocate, and as an invested Arlington Heights resident, I am humbled to be running for re-election to serve as your District 25 school board member. 

Eight years ago, when I was sworn in to serve on the Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education, I took an oath to “serve the District 25 community.” I stand by this every day. Having served as school board president, I was able to take our board from a tumultuous time during the pandemic, to earning the School Board Governance Recognition Award from the Illinois Association of School Boards. This was a proud moment in 2023, as it was the first time District 25 had earned this award. 

As a mother of four, with 30 years experience in the field of education, I understand that education is the great equalizer. Effective board leadership is paramount to student success. My commitment to supporting schools led me to earn a Doctorate in Education, focusing my research on school board governance. This journey deepened my dedication and reinforced my gratitude for my parents, who did not have the opportunity to complete a highschool education. That is why even though many of you may know me as Anisha Patel, when I earned my doctorate, to honor my mom and dad, I went back to the last name they gave me at birth - Jogee. I am grateful to my husband Sajid Patel and my children for supporting this decision.  

As a nearly 17-year resident of Arlington Heights, this is where my heart and home is. We moved to Arlington Heights so our oldest daughter could attend Kindergarten here at Dryden Elementary School. Since then, three of our daughters have graduated from our schools, and our son is a proud Cardinal at South Middle School. I absolutely cherish this Village of Good Neighbors and am grateful for our gracious community. 

Arlington Heights voters have trusted me repeatedly to strengthen our school board, put students first, and rebuild our school community in the wake of the pandemic. In my third term, I will continue to be student-centered, growth-oriented and community-focused. I will lead collaboratively with my board colleagues and new superintendent as a team of 8 to foster excellence, meaningful learning, and a sense of belonging for every student in our district. I ask for your vote on April 1st so, together, we can make our schools a place where every child thrives.