Respected parents, teachers, students and all community members,
My name is Dr. Aakash Ahuja, and I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with the honor of running for the Hart School Board, representing District 1. As an immigrant from India who has called the United States home for over two decades, I’ve built my life in Santa Clarita alongside my wife and our two children. My son is a proud student within the Hart District, and my daughter is set to begin her journey at a Hart District Junior High School this summer. I hold a deep conviction that our students are the pillars of both our community and nation. Through robust school policies, we can empower them to reach their fullest potential, cultivating individuals who are not only academically proficient but also morally grounded. With 17 years of experience as a psychiatrist, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the crucial role of mental health, especially in the lives of our school-aged children. I am committed to bolstering resources and providing essential tools for our educators and parents to support our students’ mental well-being. My campaign is focused on several key areas:

1.⁠ ⁠Support Mental Well-being:
Provide comprehensive resources and support to help our students manage mental health challenges effectively.

2.⁠ ⁠Enhance Academic Achievement:
Boost test scores and foster academic growth through innovative teaching methods and enriched learning environments for all kids.

3.⁠ ⁠Engage Parents:
“It takes a village to raise a kid effectively”. I would like to strengthen school-family partnerships by increasing parental involvement in our educational processes and community activities.

4.⁠ ⁠Eradicate Bullying:
Implement proactive strategies to eliminate all forms of bullying, both in person and online, ensuring a safe and respectful learning atmosphere.

5.⁠ ⁠Prevent Substance Use:
We have lost so many precious lives to drugs. We must educate students more effectively about the dangers of drug use and take decisive actions to prevent drugs from entering our school environments.

6.⁠ ⁠Limit Distractions:
Regulate use of cellphones and social media within school premises to maintain focus on educational objectives.

I’ve been a vocal advocate for limiting cellphone use within our schools. My efforts have included speaking at Hart School District meetings, writing articles for local media, and presenting compelling data on the topic. I’m proud to see these efforts culminate in a new policy restricting cellphones in junior high schools across the district
As we look towards the 2024 election, we stand at a pivotal moment to positively shape the educational experiences of our students. I am eager to bring my expertise and passion to the Hart School Board, working collaboratively to foster a nurturing, safe and academics promoting environment for every student. Your support in this endeavor will be instrumental in laying down the foundation for a brighter future for our children and our community.
Thank You