WASHINGTON (April 5, 2023) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER D.C.) announced today that Cesar Toledo will serve as the organization’s Deputy Director. Cesar will support DFER D.C., its partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA), and its affiliate Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C).
“Cesar is committed to ensuring that every student, particularly our most marginalized students, reach their full potential,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director for DFER D.C. “He has a wealth of experience successfully executing issue-based campaigns and helping elect leaders who will make a transformational change for their communities.”
Giles continued, “I am especially excited for his leadership during pandemic recovery because he will advance education reform in new and innovative ways to benefit all our students, families, and educators in the District.”
Cesar identifies as a queer Latino changemaker with a decade of experience centered on advancing equity and social justice. Cesar most recently served as the Political Director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, where he designed and spearheaded the organization’s most successful and historic electoral programs. He is recognized as a national LGBTQ+ advocate, having trained and helped elect hundreds of candidates up and down the ballot across the country.
Before joining the movement for equality, Cesar executed multiple issue-based campaigns for various organizations focused on social impact, democracy, and immigration reform. Cesar began his career in education advocacy, serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer at a primary school in East Africa. He later got his start in politics canvassing for local candidates in California and interning for then-Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. He is a proud University of California, Riverside alum and a Ward 6 resident.
“Being raised by immigrant parents, I understand firsthand how crucial a high-quality public education is in breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling upward social mobility,” said Cesar Toledo, Deputy Director of DFER DC.
“After years of spearheading political and social impact campaigns, I’m excited to utilize those skills to build a pipeline of education champions in the District. I look forward to advancing an education reform agenda that justly and equitably serves all students, especially students of color,” said Toledo.
Cesar’s transition to the role was highlighted in POLITICO’s Playbook:
WASHINGTON (March 23, 2023) — In response to Mayor Bowser’s proposed Fiscal year 2024 Budget, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.), released the following statement:
“We applaud Mayor Muriel Bowser for funding all of DFER D.C.’s FY 2024 budget priorities, including:
5.05% increase to the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula foundation;
3.1% increase to the public charter school facilities allotment;
Salary increases and retroactive payments for D.C. public charter school teachers; and
Investments in school-based behavioral health, Out of School Time, safe passage, restorative justice, and High-Impact Tutoring programming,” Giles stated.
Giles continued, “We are concerned, however, that the proposed budget does not include increased investments that will ensure all K-5th grade educators are trained in structured literacy, all high school students have access to dual enrollment opportunities who want them, and all public charter school educators receive salary increases and retroactive payments.”
“We need increased investments in these areas for several reasons. Only 26% of students performed at or above the NAEP Proficiency level in 2022, compared to 30% in 2019. Only 8 out of 100 9th-grade students will now complete postsecondary within six years of high school graduation compared to 14 pre-pandemic. And, as proposed, D.C. public charter schools do not receive equivalent funding to D.C. Public Schools to support their students and educators,” Giles said.
“In the coming weeks, we will continue to work with all our elected officials to ensure the FY 2024 budget is just and equitable,” Giles said.
DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.
(New York City) More than one thousand public school parents, students and teachers gathered near City Hall Park calling for better education options for their children. They traveled from across New York City joining city and state lawmakers who support raising the cap on public charter schools and improving education equity in New York City.
A recent poll from DFER NY shows 64% of New York City parents support raising the arbitrary cap on public charter schools. Currently, state law prevents new public charter schools from opening in New York City, but Governor Hochul is calling for removing the regional cap on charters.
Year after year, public charter schools improve results for students across New York City and put their students on the path to college and successful careers. Parents know this and that’s why enrollment increased at public charter schools and 15% of all public school students in NYC attend charter schools. Of the 141,000 charter school students, more than 80% are considered economically disadvantaged. Families from historically underserved communities send their children to charter schools because they want a better future for their kids and it starts with attending a high quality school, with leaders and teachers of color.
“My son is an 11th-grade charter student. Thanks to his hard work, and his teachers’ creativity and dedication, he’s excelling in school,” said Harlem public charter parent Kathryn Marrow. “But all across this city, families are stuck in schools that don’t work for their kids. It isn’t fair. And it has to stop now. Raise the Cap!”
“I might not have discovered my career without my charter school,” said MESA public charter high school graduate Cynthia Estevez. “Now, I want to make sure more students have the same opportunities I had. That’s why I’m calling on the State Legislature to support Governor Hochul and raise the charter cap.”
“I am amazed by the improvement I’ve seen since my son arrived at his charter school. I feel lucky every day he is enrolled there,” said Bronx public charter parent Arlene Rosado. “But it shouldn’t be about luck. Every parent deserves the same opportunities I had. That’s why the State Legislature should join Governor Hochul in lifting the charter cap.”
“I’ve been around New York City schools for a long time, and I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen district schools and I’ve seen charter schools. And I’ll tell you what I’ve learned: a great school system needs both,” said Brooklyn public charter grandparent Anyta Brown. “Albany should give every parent here, and every parent across the city, the choice they deserve. They know what’s best – and I know they’ll make the right decision for their child.”
“For too long policy makers and education officials have ignored the negative impact of vast racial equity gaps in public schools, across both charters and district, from a lack of Black and Brown teachers to a dearth of Black and Brown charter founders. The READ Act provides the Governor and state legislators an opportunity to make meaningful progress to right these wrongs. Representation matters—the data says so, and now as you hear from so many of us, the community, the people say so as well,” Rafiq Kalam Id-Din II, Founder & Managing Partner of Ember Charter Schools.
“We have a proven education model that helps Bronx students thrive both in and out of the classroom – all we’re asking for is the opportunity to reach more kids, but the charter cap continues to stand in the way,” said Denise Alexander, Executive Director of The Bronx Charter School for Children. “The solution is simple – let’s lift the cap, revive the “zombie charters”, and work together to improve outcomes for all New York City Children.
“While KIPP is not looking to apply for new charters right now, we know that it’s critical for new operators – particularly leaders of color – to have the opportunity to open new, innovative schools in the communities that need it most. Today, we’re standing together to send a clear message – we need more great schools in our communities. We need to lift the cap!,” said Alicia Johnson, President KIPP NYC.
“Parents in my district constantly raise the issue of finding a good community school for their child to attend in their community. Public charter schools provide that opportunity; that’s why I support raising the cap. We need to give Brooklyn families access to more high-quality education,” said Brooklyn Assembly Member Brian Cunningham.
“As a proud charter parent in our legislature, I’m working hard to bring parent choice to the families I serve in the Bronx. That starts by listening to the New Yorkers I stood with today,” said Bronx Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr. “Lifting the charter cap will give parents the choices they deserve for their children’s future. It’s the right decision for our borough and our state, and I look forward to making the case to my fellow legislators this session.”
“Parents across New York City deserve to have a choice when it comes to enrolling their child in school. That includes everything from yeshivas to parochial schools and public charter schools. We need to empower parents and give them better options,” said Manhattan Assembly Member Al Taylor.
“Governor Hochul laid an important foundation and now it is time for state legislative leaders to also listen to parents. Time and time again, charter schools have improved academic outcomes for children living in high-need communities. New York must improve education equity in communities of color and that starts with giving the green light to open more charter schools to meet the needs of parents,” said DFER NY Executive Director Jacquelyn Martell.
“New York City parents are fired up and ready to go,” said Crystal McQueen-Taylor, Executive Director of StudentsFirstNY. “Parents have been completely ignored and denied in the conversation about charter schools, and today they will be heard. Public charter schools have given Black and brown parents the opportunity to choose the best public education option for their children, and that opportunity should be available for every parent who wants it. And as a charter parent myself, I’m proud to stand alongside other parents who are standing up for their neighbors who deserve the same access to a great public education.”
“Families know what’s best for their children and should be encouraged to find the school that best meets their families’ needs. NYCSA stands in full support of parents who want to exercise their right to choose the best school for their child. Charter schools serve children well and are a great public school option. Removing the limit on public charter schools means more great public school options are available for students,” said Yomika Bennett, Executive Director of New York Charter Schools Association.
“I’ve spent years working to empower Latina girls in the Bronx to strive for success, and I’ve dreamed of taking that same passion and applying it to open a charter school right here in the community – but I can’t unless we lift the cap,” said Claudia Espinosa, founder of L.O.V.E. Mentoring. “This isn’t about politics – it’s about breaking down barriers and ensuring that families in our community have the freedom to choose the education that’s best for them.”
(Washington, D.C.) March 3, 2023 — Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) Executive Director Jessica Giles released the following statement after President Biden’s announcement that he will sign the GOP-led disapproval resolution of the D.C. criminal code revision. If enacted, it will be the first time a disapproval resolution has nullified a local D.C. law in three decades.
“Regardless of where one stands on this legislation, this is a deeply disappointing development for Democracy, D.C. home rule, and D.C. residents’ longstanding fight for equality and self-governance,” Giles said. “It is especially disappointing that our fellow Democrats have turned their back on D.C. statehood.”
Giles continued, “Voters of the District of Columbia deserve to have their voices heard without federal representatives — who have no affiliation with Washington, D.C. — inserting themselves into local affairs.”
“I urge President Biden and federal lawmakers to realize that this paternalistic, anti-democratic Republican-led opposition is anti-American and to oppose any efforts to force Congress’ views upon D.C. residents. Let local politics be handled locally.”
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About DFER D.C.
DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website here.
(Washington, D.C.) February 17, 2023 – In response to Mayor Bowser’s announcement proposing a 5.05 % increase in per pupil funding in the fiscal year 2024, Jessica Giles, executive director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.), released the following statement:
“We applaud the Mayor for increasing the per-student funding formula to 5% and providing additional funds to support increases in salaries in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools.
We encourage the Mayor and D.C. Council to pass a budget that invests in equitable resources for all schools; ensures all educators receive high-quality preparation and support; offers affordable and high-quality postsecondary education opportunities; and provides safe, stable, and positive learning environments for all students.”
DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 3, 2023) — In response to the release of the official curriculum for the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) course in African American Studies, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC), released the following statement:
“The College Board’s decision to water down AP African American Studies is shameful.
Black people are trans, queer, and non-binary/non-conforming. The erasure of Black identity is racist. Every person on this earth has intersecting identities, which shape our lived experiences.
Upwards of 26 million people in nearly 550 places protested police brutality in 2020, making Black Lives Matter (BLM) the largest movement in U.S. history. To remove BLM’s contributions from the story of African American life and struggle is negligent.
Lastly, wealth and resource extraction is a central part of the Black American experience, making the case for reparations an essential lesson for students.
Students have the right to learn about African American stories, history, culture, and contributions, fully and unfiltered. 63% of students in Washington, D.C., are Black/African American and D.C. public schools are currently offering this course to students.
DFER DC is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies.
In 2022 DFER spent $6.1 million to help elect 125 Democratic leaders, including six US Senators, 23 U.S. Representatives, Governors in Colorado, New York, and Connecticut, Mayor Bowser in Washington D.C., and legislative champions in 15 legislative bodies across the country.
Additionally, eight alumni of our Leaders of Color program proudly ran in the midterm elections in Louisiana, New York, and Washington, D.C, with six candidates claiming victory. Taken together, these newly elected leaders join 17 Leaders of Color who have been elected or appointed across program sites this year!
See a full summary of all DFER and ERNA-supported wins here.
Launched DFER Texas
In August, we proudly launched our newest state chapter in the Lone Star State. Last month, DFER Texas and its aligned PAC, Legacy 44 (L44), successfully won three of the four general electionraces for the Texas House, in addition to successful victories by L44 supported primary candidates in safe Democratic districts. The 2022 investments made by DFER and L44 have helped solidify and expand the bloc of pro-education reform Democrats at the Texas Capitol as we approach the next legislative session.
Protected Public School Choice
DFER co-led an effort to protect $440 million in federal funding for public charter schools serving 3.4 million students nationwide. Specifically, when anti-charter forces proposed a $40 million cut to CSP during the Appropriations process, DFER met with and mobilized key Members to restore funding to the full $440 million including influential Members on both the House Appropriations Committee, and the House and Senate Education Committees. Similarly, during the regulatory fight over proposed rules that would restrict charter access to federal funds, we met and appealed to multiple senior Biden Administration officials directly. This group effort convinced the USDOE to roll back the most harmful rules and to respond in a way that, while not optimal, is workable to ensure that high-quality charters continue to access federal funds. Furthermore, we’ve laid the groundwork to protect an additional $440 million in federal funds for next year’s (FY23) budget. DFER partner chapters in Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut all secured wins to make funding for public charter more equitable, and our teams in Massachusetts, and Louisiana defeated anti-charter legislation.
ARP Advocacy: Reports & Resources
Leveraging a report focused on understanding how states are allocating educational funds earmarked by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), ERN’s national team worked with representatives in five states to strengthen their ARP plans to better serve students. In the analysis, states were assigned a “traffic light” rating in five categories along with a composite rating. Only seven states earned the highest “green” rating, and a whopping 19 state plans were designated a concerning “red light.”
To help navigate important federal COVID relief funds—designated by ARP—ERN put together a curated toolkit, to highlight and streamline a selection of resources from a host of organizations, including ERN, that help state-level officials, families, communities, schools, and district leaders better understand how ARP education funds are being allocated. You can download the ARP Resource Document, or explore the toolkit for more information on ERN’s involvement and more.
Addressed Literacy Gaps
Following on ERN Connecticut‘s landmark “Right to Read” legislation last year, the team worked to ensure a strong ally was appointed as Director of the state’s new Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success, the hub of this statewide literacy effort. Implementation has now begun in earnest, with the release of a state-approved list of early literacy curricula, from which every public school district must choose next year. Earlier this month, Director Amy Dowell appeared on a panel on the Science of Reading with Emily Hanford, Dr. Kymyona Burk, and other leading experts.
Earlier this year, ERN D.C. successfully advocated for the passage of the “Structured Literacy Training Action Plan” into law. This legislation requires structured literacy training for D.C. Public School teachers, provides a $2,000 stipend for those who complete the training, and creates a task force to expand training and support to public charter schools. ERN D.C. also partnered with Decoding Dyslexia D.C. to hold a two-day Right to Read Literacy Conference with 17 speakers, including D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant, and Ward 2 Representative Allister Chang. As a result of the literacy conference, ERN D.C. and partners proposed several recommendations for improving literacy in the District of Columbia.
Maintained Statewide, Annual Assessments
ERN’s federal policy team led a coalition of civil rights and reform advocates that successfully lobbied the US Department of Education to prevent the issuance of blanket assessment waivers to states. In our states, ERN Colorado worked to ensure schools and districts could access necessary supports and interventions based on post-pandemic summative assessments; DFER affiliate ERN Massachusetts successfully lobbied the state’s Education Committee to reject all anti-accountability bills; and DFER affiliate ERN Louisiana fought to prevent a potential waiving of statewide graduation requirements.
To combat the misinformation that abounds when it comes to annual, summative assessments, ERN also created the Essential Assessment Toolkit: a go-to guide for families, advocates, district and school leaders, and State Education Agencies. The resources created were intended to support critical conversations on why students take an annual, summative assessment, why this assessment matters, and how districts and states can improve their assessment systems to better support student achievement.
Fought for Fairer College Admissions
In March, ERN National and our New York chapter joined New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker to introduce The Fair College Admissions Act (Senate Bill S8498), which is aimed at banning legacy preference and the binding early college admission policies that discriminate against racial minority, working class, and low-income students. ERN and Leaders of Color co-hosted a press conference with Senator Gounardes and Assemblywoman Walker to discuss the bill and its impact on improving access and equity in higher education, during which several Leaders of Color fellow and alumni spoke.
ERN Connecticut supported the introduction of a bill that would put an end to the practice of using legacy preferences during the college admissions process in their state. ERN CT also advanced a bill to end the withholding of college transcripts from students with debts. Last year, ERN Colorado helped make its state the first in the nation to ban legacy preference in higher education.
In addition, ERN released a series of three issue briefs identifying areas (Early Decision, Legacy Admissions, Transparency & Accountability) of the admissions process at selective colleges and universities that demand reform. Admissions reform to expand access and opportunity for underrepresented students and to increase diversity on campuses is long overdue, but it has become imperative in light of the likelihood that United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) will strike down the use of race-conscious admissions policies in its current term. The reports received coverage in USA Today, Forbes, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, NPR and Education Dive, among others.
Following the SCOTUS hearings on affirmative action, ERN hosted a debrief on the hearing, with record-setting attendance. The conversation was moderated by The Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Eric Hoover, and featured:
Marie Bigham, Founder and Executive Director, ACCEPT,
Art Coleman, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, EducationCounsel,
Genzie Bonadies Torres, Associate Director for the Educational Opportunities Project, Lawyers, Committee for Human Rights under Civil Law,
Michaele Turnage Young, Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and
James Murphy, Senior Policy Analyst, Education Reform Now.
Advocated for Resource Equity
One big highlight of ERN’s work to address resource equity comes from ERN D.C. who successfully advocated for the passage of three pivotal bills:
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson included two new concentration at-risk weights in the per student funding formula for a total of $10.4 million in recurring funding for D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools that serve high populations of students furthest from opportunity.
ERN D.C. successfully advocated for the passage of the “Uniform Per Student Funding Formula Adequacy Study” into law, which studies the costs and expenses associated with operating D.C. Public Schools, and public charter schools, included and excluded from the per student funding formula.
ERN D.C. advocated for ways to retain educators in the District. This work culminated in the passage of the Educators Housing Incentive Amendment Act of 2022, which expands a current homeowner financial assistance program to educators.
Hosted 7th Philos Conference
Last month, over 180 policymakers, advocates, donors, and reporters attended ERN’s seventh Philos Conference in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, “Leading Forward: From Crisis to Opportunity,” challenged attendees to take action to turn the crisis of the pandemic and the longtime crisis of inequity in our education system into opportunity for students.
Honorees included:
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser
National Urban League President Marc Morial
National Parents Union Founder and President Keri Rodrigues
U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, and
Massachusetts Representative Chynah Tyler.
Panelists included U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, CNN Senior Political Analyst Ron Brownstein, DGA Executive Director Noam Lee, New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks, D.C. Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant, and CT Senator Patricia Billie Miller.
Above (left to right): Politico Reporter Juan Perez, Jr., CNN Senior Political Analyst Ron Brownstein, DGA Executive Director Noam Lee, Impact Research Principal Molly Murphy, and Voto Latino Vice President Kenny Sandoval. Below (Clockwise from top left):New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, Washington, D.C., State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley.
Leaders of Color
To date, Education Reform Now’s Leaders of Color program has grown to include:
210 alumni of the program
82 leaders in non-elected positions of influence
26 Fellows appointed to community / non-profit boards
34 Fellows involved in active advocacy campaigns
6 Fellows who have founded own non-profits
Leaders of Color 2022 Advocacy Highlights:
Leaders of Color D.C.: Charter parent and Leaders of Color D.C. alumna LaJoy Johnson-Law worked in collaboration with Vice President Harris to expand broadband access to over 11.5 million low-income households.
Leaders of Color Louisiana: Alumni led a successful initiative for a new property tax measure that will fund pre-K at $20 million over the next five years and create more than 1,000 early childhood seats for children from low-income families.
Leaders of Color New York: Alumna Natasha Cherry-Perez led a project to inform, train, and support over 400 parents who are a part of the New York State Charter Parent Council to meet with and promote charters to elected officials across the state; testify at City Council and State hearings; and send close to 30 letters to NYS Regents (and counting) in support of charters. Additionally, Cherry-Perez’s group registered 140 voters.
Leaders of Color Memphis: Among many achievements, alums Sheleah Harris and Frank Johnson both fought for public school choice by voting against the closure of four charter schools in Memphis, keeping the schools open.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joshua Hodge, jhodge@dfer.org
WASHINGTON, D.C.(June 9, 2022) – Today, Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) announced its endorsement of Rep. Oye Owolewa. Owolewa is running for reelection as United States Representative in the Democratic Primary on June 21.
“We are proud to support Rep. Oye Owolewa for re-election. He is a champion for D.C. residents’ civil rights, a passionate advocate for our students and families, and a dutiful community servant,” said DFER DC Director Jessica Giles.
During his first term as a United States Representative, Rep. Owolewa admirably and honorably fought for D.C. Statehood. He wants to reinvent our public education system. He believes investments in early professional mentorship programs and career development pathways will help ensure every student reaches their fullest potential. He supports many critical issues for students and families, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) and gender-affirming health care. He has previously served as a Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and volunteers his free time at a neighborhood elementary school.
About DFER DC DFER DC is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5, 2022) – Today, Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) announced its endorsement of Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is running for reelection in the June 21 Democratic Primary.
“Muriel Bowser delivered on her promise to be the education mayor,” said DFER DC State Director Jessica Giles.
Mayor Bowser promised to safely reopen schools fully during the pandemic so families could get back to work. Schools are open five days per week. In response to her pledge to improve child care in the District, she’s invested more than $200 million in early childhood learning. Mayor Bowser said she would ensure all schools are well-funded; she delivered on that, too—increasing the education budget year after year since she’s been Mayor. In the fiscal year 2023 alone, she proposed $2.2 billion in public education, a historic 5.9% increase to the base foundation of the per-student funding formula, and funding to increase student behavioral health supports.
She has also built on the progress made in education over the last 15 years, with D.C. Public Schools continuing to be the fastest improving urban school district. The District saw public school enrollment grow for 11 years, and graduation rates rose for all D.C. students from 58% in 2010 to 70% today.
The next four years under Mayor Bowser’s leadership will allow her to continue to deliver on this promise to students and families. She will move the District forward and ensure every student has a just and equitable education.”
About DFER DC
DFER DC is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 12, 2022) – Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) announced its endorsement of Chairman Phil Mendelson, who is running for reelection in the June 21 Democratic Primary.
“DFER D.C. is proud to fight for all students, particularly students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, in traditional public schools and public charter schools across all eight wards of Washington, D.C. As Chairman of the Council, with the jurisdiction of all education matters, Phil Mendelson has been an undeniable public education champion,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles.
Working with his colleagues on the D.C. Council, he spearheaded several policies that are beneficial for students, educators, and schools in the District. He increased funding for expanding the School-Based Behavioral Health program so that all traditional and public charter schools can have a behavioral health clinician during the COVID-19 pandemic. He introduced and passed a policy making the My School D.C. lottery more equitable so that students designated as “at-risk” have a greater opportunity to get into the public school of their choice. He funded a teacher pipeline program at the University of the District of Columbia. He spearheaded a plan to send thousands of child care workers in the District one-time cash payments to raise wages. He also increased the charter facilities allotment in the fiscal year 2024 and beyond so that all students have safe and educationally appropriate buildings. Last but not least, he is committed to ensuring our public education system is held accountable to parents and families.
“Chairman Mendelson is a proven leader who has already delivered powerfully for students in D.C. I am confident that he will continue to do so when re-elected for another four years,” said Giles.
About DFER D.C. DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies.
