WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2020) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) Director Ramin Taheri issued the following statement in response to the unofficial results of the 2020 District of Columbia Council and State Board of Education (SBOE) elections:
“DC voters sent a clear message that they are ready for change. Voters want a more diverse DC Council and State Board, pragmatic progressives that prioritize student-first policies, and a public education system that justly and equitably serves all students.
DFER DC extends congratulations to the following newly elected DC Council and State Board members:
- Councilmember-Elect Christina Henderson (I-At-large), an experienced education policy professional, public servant, and welcomed new voice for underserved students.
- Councilmember Robert White (D-At-large), a compassionate leader, who has advanced progressive child-care legislation and ensured additional funding for students most in need.
- SBOE Representative-Elect Allister Chang (Ward 2), a nonprofit leader committed to disadvantaged families and ensuring all DC students are equipped with the skills to navigate our 21st-century society. He will also be SBOE’s first Asian-American member.
- SBOE Representative Frazier O’Leary (Ward 4), a long-time educator with a passion for seeing students succeed in and outside of the classroom.
- SBOE Representative-Elect Eboni-Rose Thompson (Ward 7), a leader of the Ward 7 Education Council and an advocate for fully funding Ward 7 schools.
- SBOE Representative-Elect Dr. Carlene Reid (Ward 8), a special education expert and educator.
- SBOE Representative-Elect Jacque Patterson (At-Large), a parent, 20-year education advocate, and founding DFER DC advisory board member.
DFER DC also congratulates Councilmember-Elect Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and incumbent Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), and Trayon White (D-Ward 8).
We look forward to your leadership in 2021 and remain committed to working with all members of the DC Council and SBOE to advance policies that are best for students. We continue to call on all elected officials to draw on the five building blocks of an equitable public education system to support all students, regardless of the neighborhood they live in or the school they attend.”
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