When Dr. Morteza Daneshdoost moved his family to the Unity Point district in 1993, he was simply looking for a good place to raise his two daughters. What he discovered was an educational environment so exceptional that both of his children would later credit their academic achievements – including perfect 4.0 GPAs throughout their schooling – to the foundation they received at Unity Point.

Today, one daughter is completing her second year of fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Stanford, while the other is finishing her PhD in biomechanics at Duke University. Their success story isn't just a point of personal pride for Dr. Daneshdoost; it represents what he believes Unity Point can offer every child who walks through its doors.

"Recently I asked them what contributed to their academic achievements," says Dr. Daneshdoost, who now serves as Unity Point's school board president. "Both of them attributed a lot of it to Unity Point. That's what I want to make sure continues."

As a retired full professor of electrical engineering from Southern Illinois University, Dr. Daneshdoost understands education from multiple perspectives. He earned his PhD from Drexel University in Philadelphia and spent his career not only teaching and doing research but also leading National Science Foundation grants to encourage minorities and women to enter engineering fields. His passion for education extends far beyond his own children's success.

Dr. Daneshdoost has served on Unity Point's school board for approximately 18 years across multiple terms, taking brief breaks but always returning to continue his service. He previously served as board president seven or eight years ago and returned to the role this past April. At a time when the district faces significant changes – including a new superintendent and many new board members – his institutional knowledge and commitment to Unity Point's core values have become invaluable.

"I'm the one with the longest tenure on the board," he explains. "I have knowledge about the past and how things were. Right now, it's very easy to diverge from the real goals because of so many other issues. It's important that there are some people who can make sure you don't deviate too much from the main goal."

That main goal, according to Dr. Daneshdoost, centers on teaching children how to think critically. He witnessed this firsthand as his daughters progressed through Unity Point's multi-age program, where the same teacher worked with them across multiple years, challenging them appropriately and helping them develop crucial learning skills.

"Critical thinking is when you get information, you don't necessarily follow the mainstream," he explains. "If your teacher says the best way to solve this problem is XYZ, you start thinking – is it? You ask that question and then try to see if there's any other way. That applies to everything else."

This approach to education becomes particularly vital in today's digital age, Dr. Daneshdoost believes. "When you look at all the digital information coming out – social media, influencers – it makes critical thinking ability even more important, so you don't just become a follower without doing any questioning."

The results speak for themselves. Unity Point students consistently perform well at state-level science and history fairs, choosing interesting and innovative projects that demonstrate their ability to think independently and creatively.

Beyond academics, Dr. Daneshdoost values Unity Point's commitment to serving all students while maintaining high standards. "I saw teachers and staff trying to help those who were not as fortunate as my kids, but at the same time, they did not bring the standard down for ones who were looking for challenges. You bring everybody up – you don't sacrifice one for the other."

The school's diverse community also plays a crucial role in shaping students. During a recent lunch in the cafeteria – Dr. Daneshdoost makes it a point to eat with students weekly – he sat across from children from Egypt, Sweden, and St. Louis. "These kids are going to grow up together," he reflects. "They learn to become friends with each other. Differences are expected, not unusual and not to be feared."

For community members without children in the district, Dr. Daneshdoost emphasizes Unity Point's broader impact. The school serves as more than an educational institution – it's a social support system that strengthens the entire community. Good schools also enhance property values and attract young professionals, creating a positive cycle of growth and investment.

"I'm retired. I could have been in Florida," Dr. Daneshdoost says with a smile. "But I'm here because I want that same sort of future for all the kids. Unity Point built my daughters up to be academically successful, and that's what I want to make sure continues.