Mayor Muriel E. Bowser
The Office of the Mayor
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004

Dear Mayor Bowser:

Thank you for continuing to prioritize public education in the budget. Your proposed investments: 5.9% increase to the base of the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF) for all schools, $36 million in stabilization funding for D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools, a salary increase for substitute teachers, and an updated budget model for DCPS with initial budgets for individual schools – will not only help schools bridge the gap in learning but strive for new heights in public education and supports for all students.

For the past two years, our students have been through extraordinary circumstances which have caused unfinished learning and diminished well-being. As we look to recover from the effects of the pandemic, even more should be done to continue the progress we’ve seen in public education for the past 15 years. Therefore, we respectfully urge you to ensure funding equity, provide educator support, expand access to high education, and invest in behavioral health supports for all students. Our FY2023 budget priorities are the following:

PROVIDE EQUITABLE RESOURCES TO ALL SCHOOLS.

• Raise the at-risk weight of the UPSFF to .37 or higher as recommended by the 2014 adequacy study to provide more significant support to students designated as ‘at risk’—those who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are experiencing homelessness, are in the District’s foster care program or are one year or more older than expected for their grade in high school.
• Increase the public charter school facilities allotment by 3.1% beginning in FY 2023. The District government must ensure that all students have safe and educationally appropriate buildings.
• Conduct an adequacy study every five years to ensure the UPSFF increases adequately for all students.

ENSURE ALL STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION THAT IS HIGH-QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE.

• Study, expand, deepen, and reform our current dual enrollment opportunities to, at a minimum: expand access to all interested students, particularly students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities; make the application process more efficient; and ensure students receive maximum dual enrollment credit hours for both high school and college classes.

INVEST IN SAFE, STABLE, AND POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS.

• Build on past years’ investments in the School-Based Behavioral Health (SBBH) program by investing in the following:
  • $300,000 for a cost study to determine what it truly costs to implement the SBBH program now and in the future;
  • $2.4 million to stabilize community-based organization grant funding each year; and
  • Adequately funding the Community of Practice, building a workforce pipeline, and expanding information-sharing and family engagement efforts.
• Maintain the current investment of $920,000 for SY 2020-21 for restorative justice; provide school-wide technical assistance and individual capacity building in DC schools.

ENSURE ALL EDUCATORS RECEIVE HIGH-QUALITY TEACHER PREPARATION AND SUPPORT.

• Provide sufficient funding so that all PreK-5 DC leaders and teachers can receive free and accessible structured literacy training with incentives in three years. In 2019, 70% of DC students were not proficient in reading in fourth grade, according to NAEP. The District must ensure all students read at grade level by third grade regardless of where in the city they live, what school they attend, and their ability or language-learning status. They should be confident in their independent reading abilities and enjoy reading.
• Support educators with housing by creating housing and tax incentives, implementing housing affordability programs, and ensuring eligible educators are connected with the existing programs that can reduce the cost of homeownership.

Thank you for all you do for our students and families! We look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure we have a just and equitable public education system for all students.

In service,
Education Reform Now DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 5, 2021)— Jessica Giles and Erika Harrell of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER DC) released the following statement regarding the death of Washington Teachers Union (WTU) President Elizabeth Davis.

“Today, we join our D.C. education community in mourning the life loss of long-time Washington Teachers Union President Elizabeth Davis.

Liz was a teacher for more than 40 years and rose to leadership within the WTU as a voice in DC public education when, across the country, there were very few women of color leading these conversations. As public education advocates and Black women who know the impact of quality education systems on our communities, we mourn her passing and will keep her family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts.”

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DFER DC Appoints New State Director

Jessica Giles to Lead Work to Justly and Equitably Serve D.C. Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 31, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform (DFER DC) announced today that Jessica Giles has been appointed as the new State Director for the chapter, as well as its affiliate organization Education Reform Now DC.

Giles joined the organization in 2019 and has since served as Interim Director and Deputy Director, during which she’s advocated for strong, but just accountability for DC’s public education system and increased funding for education, mental health, and academic supports to equip all students with the tools they need to succeed.

“Jessica is an extraordinary leader who has already delivered powerfully for children in DC,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “As Deputy Director, she led the charge for ERN DC in calling for COVID relief funds to support publicly funded High Impact Tutoring for students who have fallen behind academically during the pandemic—an investment that will take effect later this year. She also advocated, in coalition with partner organizations, to successfully expand the school based mental health program to more than 60 schools in cohort two during the pandemic. Jessica is uniquely prepared to lead our chapter to the next level of impact for the District’s students, and we could not be more excited for the new horizons we will reach under Jessica’s stewardship.” 

Giles also drove ERN DC’s advocacy efforts to make the My School DC Lottery more equitable by providing the 47% of DC students identified as ‘at risk’—those who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are experiencing homelessness, are in the District’s foster care program or are one year or more older than expected for their grade in high school – a greater opportunity to attend the participating public charter school of their choice, beginning in school year 2022-2023.  
“As DC grapples with a concurrent crisis of a deadly pandemic, disrupted education system, mass unemployment, and continued racial inequity and injustice, I feel called to lead in this moment,” said Jessica Giles. “Our public education system in DC has improved, but it has not served all our students well. Education reform is about centering students in policymaking, advancing equity, and constantly improving our public education system so that our Black, Brown, English Learners, students with different abilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students from low-income families receive a high-quality education from preschool through postsecondary education and training that enables them to enter the workforce well-prepared and free from crippling student loan debt. We’re not there yet but I won’t stop fighting until this vision is realized,” continued Giles.

Previously, Giles served as Deputy Committee Director for the Council of the District of Columbia’s former Committee on Education. Having served on the Committee for nearly four years, Giles helped ensure greater equity in the childcare industry and public education. Specifically, under the leadership of former Councilmember David Grosso, Giles advanced legislation to protect the education rights of students with special needs, improve educational opportunities for students in the care of DC, and increase our supply of high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families in DC. Giles also worked on issues in the Human Services committee, where she fought to protect the rights and dignity of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Giles began her career as an early childcare provider in South Carolina. 

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About DFER DC
DFER DC recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, DC, that justly and equitably serves all students. Since 2015, DFER DC’s work aims to continue and accelerate the reforms that have made the D.C. the most rapidly improving urban district in the nation. Learn more about the organization at dfer.org.

DFER DC Statement on the DC Auditor Education Data Audit

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform DC Interim Director Jessica Giles released the following statement in response to today’s release of the Office of the DC Auditor’s findings:
“The Office of the DC Auditor (DC Auditor) released an inflammatory report that implies our public education system has not collected the data which is necessary to measure student progress meaningfully. 
Having accurate data is essential for the District. It gives the general public accurate information on its schools and helps policymakers take actionable steps to close students’ opportunity gaps. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has made significant strides in creating more robust data systems. It will need to develop stronger policies to improve data collection and build on its foundation.
Unfortunately, this report comes at a time when we can’t afford to fail our students. Many of our students, especially Black and Brown students, are experiencing difficulty learning and maintaining their physical and mental well-being. We must advance targeted solutions that will close the opportunity gaps that have plagued the District for far too long. Join us and our affiliate Education Reform Now in fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in the District of Columbia.”

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About DFER DC
Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students. We are committed to being student-centered, anti-racist, honorable, and collaborative.

New Poll Finds DC Parents Overwhelmingly Support Designating Emergency Funds to Limit Learning Loss

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 16, 2021) — A new poll released today by Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC) found that 90% of D.C. voters, who are parents or guardians of a child between the ages of 3 and 18, would support the use of emergency relief funds to implement tutoring services for public school students who have fallen behind since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

More than one in four parents report that they have paid to supplement their child’s education during the pandemic, from joining community learning ‘pods’ to using private tutoring services.

“While our students, educators, and parents are doing their best given the circumstances, many students are experiencing learning loss and declines in well-being, especially students of color and students from low-income families,” said Jessica Giles, interim director of ERN DC. “It’s time to reimagine our public education system. This means ensuring our students and families—especially those who cannot afford it—have additional resources, like high-dosage tutoring services and mental health services, to ensure they are well-supported—whether learning in person or virtually.”

The poll found District parents split by gender and race on in-person instruction. Nearly half of men say schools should be open for in-person instruction, while only 27% of women did. Additionally, 69% of White parents believe schools should be open for instruction compared to 26% of Black parents. Willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine also varied by race: 90% of White parents are willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine compared to 72% of Hispanic or Latino parents and 47% of Black parents. 

“In-person learning can be safe with the right protocols in place. This poll demonstrates that there is more work to do to build parents’ support and confidence in COVID vaccinations and in-person learning,” said Giles. 
Other key findings from the poll include: 

• 79% of parents rate their child’s school’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as excellent or good, and 21% of parents said the word that best describes how they feel about the current school year is hopeful.
• Nearly one-in-four parents said the word that best describes how their child feels about the current school year is frustrated.
• An overwhelming majority of parents (87%) surveyed said that end-of-year assessments used to evaluate student learning, skills, and academic achievement are important.
• Most parents support the Mayor’s ability to hire and manage the Chancellor of Public Schools (67%), with women in strong support (73%).

The survey of 277 Washington, D.C., parents, who are voters, was conducted on Feb. 1-5, 2021, by Public Policy Polling. The margin of error is +/- 5.9%. All interviews for the survey were conducted by live callers; 31% were contacted via landline telephone and 69% by cell phone. You can view the full results here. 

ABOUT EDUCATION REFORM NOW DC
Education Reform Now DC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in PreK-16 public education in Washington, D.C., particularly for students from low-income families and students of color. 

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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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DFER DC Statement on DCPS’s Decision to Postpone Reopening of Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) released the following statement in response to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) announcement that elementary schools will not reopen on November 9 as originally scheduled.

“The original plan to reopen DC Public Schools, while admirable in its intent, missed the mark with many parents, teachers, and principals. We believe that today’s decision to postpone reopening was correct. 
Moving forward, Mayor Bowser and Chancellor Ferebee must work with principals, teachers, and families to devise a reopening plan that supports staff while allowing all students to receive high-quality instruction — regardless of whether they participate in person or virtually. Above all, the plan must prioritize the students and communities most likely to be negatively impacted by school closures, including students considered “at risk” and students with special needs. We urge all sides to make every effort to reach an agreement that makes reopening inclusive, equitable, and safe for all students and staff.”

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About DFER DC
Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students. We are committed to being student-centered, anti-racist, honorable, and collaborative.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC), an organization committed to creating a public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students, today released its first-ever DC Education Champions Voter Guide. The guide aims to help DC voters understand candidates’ positions on key education policy issues ahead of the November 3rd election.

“This year shows us that change must happen and it must happen now. There is no greater lever with which to change the broken status quo than the exercise of our most fundamental right as Americans: our right to vote,” said DFER DC Director Ramin Taheri. “As an organization dedicated to fighting for the students and families who are so often overlooked, we must ensure DC residents are well-informed and able to exercise their right to vote.”

The guide does not endorse any particular candidate. Still, the organization encourages eligible voters to pay attention to the candidates who have a strong understanding of the building blocks of an equitable public education system. These include resource equity, accountability, public school choice, teacher quality and preparation, higher education quality, affordability, and opportunity.

DFER DC obtained the information compiled and summarized in the guide from the candidates’ answers to the organization’s questionnaires, official campaign websites, and other publicly available sources.

The 2020 DC Education Champions Voter Guide is available at dc-edchampions.org through Election Day on November 3.

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About DFER DC

Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students. We are committed to being student-centered, anti-racist, honorable, and collaborative.