Democrats for Education Reform Announces Endorsements for November State Board of Education Races

September 21, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh Henderson
319-573-5624

Democrats for Education Reform Announces Endorsements for November State Board of Education Races
Candidates Demonstrate Strong Track Record for Advancing Educational Equality

Today, the Democrats for Education Reform District of Columbia chapter (DFER DC) announced its endorsement of three D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE) candidates who seek election on November 6th, as well as one candidate in the election for the Ward 4 SBOE seat to be held on December 4th. DFER DC endorses Jason Andrean (Ward 1), Rhonda Henderson (Ward 4), Adrian Jordan (Ward 5) and Jessica Sutter (Ward 6).  

“This fall, voters have an unprecedented opportunity to put four new and exceptionally qualified candidates on the State Board of Education.” said Josh Henderson of DFER DC, “These candidates will put kids over politics, and have shown an unwavering commitment to fighting for a high-quality education to every child, in every Ward in the District.  At DFER DC, that’s exactly the kind of candidate we seek to support.”

All four candidates are seeking their first election to the Board. Andrean, Henderson, and Jordan are running for open seats, while Sutter is running against one-term incumbent Joe Weedon.

About the Candidates

Jason Andrean is a father and longtime education advocate. He currently serves as the Board Chair for Achievement Prep Public Charter School and is a former Board member with Democrats for Education Reform and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Andrean is a strong advocate for the new STAR rating system approved by the State Board this past year, and would be a vital player for its successful implementation in the coming year.

Rhonda Henderson is a DCPS graduate and has a strong track record of service for kids, currently working at EdOps and formerly working in operations at DC Prep Public Charter Schools, one of the highest performing public schools in DC.  Henderson shares DFER’s commitment to educational equity and excellence, and would push the Board to maintain high standards for academics, family engagement, and teacher preparation.

Adrian Jordan is a 3rd generation Washingtonian, a parent, and a member of the Two Rivers Public Charter Schools’ Board of Trustees. He has represented Ward 5 previously as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and on the staff of Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who has endorsed his candidacy. Jordan would prioritize promoting more autonomies within the DCPS system to allow them to innovate in ways that best serve their students.

Jessica Sutter is a former Washington, DC teacher and longtime policy expert. Sutter has served in roles with OSSE and the Deputy Mayor for Education where she worked to expand early childhood education programs and increase the supply of high-quality schools in the District. More recently, she received her PhD in Education Policy Studies from the University of Maryland. Jessica’s vast education experience will make her an effective advocate for strong community outreach within the SBOE, particularly as the Board seeks to implement the new STAR ratings in a way parents can easily access.

About DFER DC
DFER’s District of Columbia chapter was founded in 2015. DFER-DC works to identify, elect, educate, and empower progressive elected officials who advocate for bold reforms that prioritize student success. In addition, DFER-DC engages the public in education policy campaigns that elevate critical issues and allow constituents to hold their leaders accountable. Candidate responses to the organization’s questionnaire can be found here.

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