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:
DFER Names Former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza as CEO
NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 3, 2023) — Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today that former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the political advocacy organization and its affiliate non-partisan think-tank Education Reform Now.
During his two terms as the Democratic mayor of Rhode Island’s largest city, Elorza undertook bold actions to advance a social and racial justice agenda. This included taking the unprecedented step to engage the state Department of Education to turn around the city’s chronically underperforming school system, creating the city’s Eat, Play, Learn Initiative to expand out-of-school enrichment, and launching a nationally recognized African American Ambassador Group to bring Black leaders into the center of policymaking. Notably, he invested $400 million into repairing school buildings, and supported the expansion of high-quality public charter schools.
“As Mayor, I saw all too well the critical need for bold leadership to transform public education so that it serves all students—particularly those historically marginalized,” said Elorza. “DFER has been at the forefront of the fight against the status quo in public education for more than a decade, and I am honored to serve this organization at a time of both incredible urgency and possibility for our nation’s students.”
A leader in and outside City Hall, Elorza was elected by his peers to serve as Trustee for the United States Conference of Mayors, and was an Aspen Institute Rodell Fellow, a member of the New Deal Leaders network, and a member of the inaugural Bloomberg/Harvard City Leadership class.
“What I admire most about Jorge is his unwavering commitment to put the interest of students above adult politics,” said DFER Interim CEO Shakira Petit. “There is a tremendous opportunity right now for leaders to utilize historic investments in education to advance the innovative approaches that we know work for students. As DFER grows our collective impact, Jorge brings the political acumen, vast leadership experience, and vision to help our organization—and Democratic education champions across the country—meet this moment and bring about real change for all students.”
Elorza was born and raised in Providence and is the proud son of Guatemalan immigrants. A first-generation college student, he attended the Community College of Rhode Island before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a law degree from Harvard Law School. Elorza is co-founder of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University School of Law, where he previously served as a law professor.
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.”
AUSTIN, TX (Feb. 28, 2023) – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today that Garry Jones has been appointed Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform Texas (DFER TX) and its affiliate think tank Education Reform Now Texas (ERN TX).
Jones, who most recently served as Political Director of DFER TX, brings more than a decade of experience as a strategist working in Texas Democratic politics, including serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas State Senate. Under Jones’ leadership last year, DFER TX helped elect six Democratic education Champions to the Texas House of Representatives, and supported Staci Childs in winning her seat on the State Board of Education.
“The Democratic victories that Garry helped realize in Texas—particularly in such a short time—are remarkable,” said DFER Interim CEO Shakira Petit. “Given the current political environment, there is an urgent, critical need to invest in Democrats who will fight for a quality, equitable public education for Texas students and Garry has distinguished himself as the leader DFER TX needs to grow our chapter’s impact in the Lone Star State.”
With 2023 and 2024 elections on the horizon, DFER TX is focused on growing the number of Democratic education champions in the state legislature and in municipalities across the state, while also advancing and defending a pro-student education agenda.
These policy priorities include overhauling the community college finance system, protecting funding gains for public education, ensuring all public schools are treated equitably by local governments, and maintaining and perfecting policies designed to hold schools accountable to parents and taxpayers.
“It is an honor to take the helm at DFER TX to elevate the Democratic Party in this important work of advancing educational equity,” said Jones. “With the substantial budget surplus, Texas Democrats have a real opportunity to make historic investments in public education and solidify ourselves as champions for student-centered, common-sense policies. I look forward to working together with elected officials and partners across the state to make Texas a national example of Democrats leading on innovative public school reform policies.”
DFER TX was launched in 2022 to build on the organization’s prior work with Legacy 44, a volunteer-led state Political Action Committee (PAC) that invests in Democratic candidates for elected office in Texas who, following in the path of our 44th President Barack Obama, will promote a strong public education system.
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About Democrats for Education Reform
Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that increase educational equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. It is a partner organization of Education Reform Now Advocacy, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that supports DFER’s legislative and policy advocacy work. DFER maintains state chapters in Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C. www.dfer.org.
(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.
NEW YORK (N.Y.) (Feb. 2, 2023) — Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) Interim CEO Shakira Petit issued the following statement in response to the final version of the Advanced Placement African American History Curriculum released by the College Board:
“There is no place for politics in our classrooms. All of our students deserve an honest and complete retelling of our nation’s history—one that will set them up to be informed citizens and enlightened thinkers.
Given this political climate, the changes made to the AP African American History course—a college-level, elective course—to purge important Black political movements and trans, queer, and non-binary/non-conforming Black identities raise deep concerns related to who and what is elevated. It is our duty to ask questions, urge transparency, and advocate for high-quality AP curricula that honor the fulness of our nation’s past and present, so that students may be best prepared for their futures.”
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Jan. 29, 2023) — A new poll released by Democrats for Education Reform New York (DFER NY) conducted by Morning Consult found New York City Democratic voters have a favorable view of public charter schools and strongly support raising the arbitrary cap on the number of public charters in the state by a wide margin. The poll found New Yorkers have a favorable view of charter schools by a 19-percentage point margin (46% favorable to 27% unfavorable) with all registered voters and by an even wider broader support among New Yorkers identifying as Democrats (49%-25%).
The results are comparable when asked about raising the charter cap. When asked:
“Do you support or oppose New York state increasing the cap on the number of public charter schools allowed to open in New York City?,”
51% of Democratic respondents support raising the cap, compared to 27% opposing it
That’s a 24 point margin.
53%, a majority of Hispanic New Yorkers (+27) and 48% of Black New Yorkers also support a cap raise (+25)
64% of respondents who identify as Parents (+41) support a cap raise, as well.
Support for public charter schools in the poll continued to grow among Democratic voters (342 of the 600 voters) surveyed as they received more details and information about charters.
After messaging, 59% of Democratic voters had a favorable impression of public charter schools (+10 since initially asking), to 58% for Hispanic voters, 61% for Black voters and 70% for Parents.
After messaging, both positive and negative about charters. Support, among Democrats, for raising the cap increased to 56% (+5 from the initial ask), to 56% for Hispanic voters, and 61% for Black voters.
After messaging, both positive and negative about charters. Support, among Parents, for raising the cap increased to 68% (+4 from the initial ask)
“New Yorkers always want more choices, and this poll shows that includes more high quality choices in the public school system. For too long, families in some of the poorest communities have been denied the opportunity to select the best school for their families. Public charter schools ensure every family has high-quality options, and we look forward to working with leaders in Albany to lift the cap on public charters,” said DFER NY Executive Director Jacquelyn Martell.
“For far too many families in Brooklyn, they lack a quality public school to send their children. These results prove more New Yorkers want more choices and that includes public charter schools. We need to raise the cap to empower New York families,” said Brooklyn Assemblymember Brian Cunningham.
“The results from this poll mirror what I am hearing from the parents and families in my district: they want more choices and more high-quality public schools. That’s why I support having conversations on how we can bridge the gap and provide our students with a competitive education,” said Bronx Assemblymember George Alvarez.
You can view the full poll here. Crosstabs are available upon request.
Methodology
This poll was conducted by Morning Consult between January 23-January 24, 2023, among a sample of 600 New York City Voters, 342 of whom identified as Democrats. The interviews were conducted online and weighted to gender, age, race, and education. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/-4% percentage points. The margin of error for Democrats is +/-5% percentage points.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 23, 2023) – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today that Hans Goff will serve as the organization’s first Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs.
Goff will support national advocacy efforts for DFER, its partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) and its affiliate Education Reform Now (ERN), to promote federal legislation and executive action that progresses a high-quality public education for all students—particularly those who have historically been underserved.
“Hans’ wealth of experience in Democratic politics and government advocacy will be an incredible asset to DFER as we look to grow our impact,” said Shakira Petit, interim CEO for DFER. “Paired with the expertise of our state chapters and federal policy shop, Hans’ leadership on the Hill has the potential to advance education reform in exciting ways at a time when so much is at stake for our nation’s students.”
Goff, who most recently served as the External Affairs Program Manager for Amazon, has a long history of leadership within the Democratic Party at the federal and state levels. He’s held positions with the Office of the Assistant Speaker for the U.S. House of Representatives—where he served as senior leadership for U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján—the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Hillary for America, Organizing for America, Jon Corzine for Governor, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and Robert Mendez for U.S. Senate. He also served as an advisor for Bloomberg Philanthropies.
“As the son of a retired educator, I’m thrilled to bring my skill set to an organization that is committed to improving public education for all students,” said Goff. “A high-quality education truly creates life changing opportunities and expands access across socioeconomic backgrounds, and I look forward to advocating for the policies necessary for every child to receive the equitable education they deserve.”
BATON ROUGE, L.A. (JAN. 6, 2023) – Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA) Executive Director Terrence Lockett released the below statement congratulating Dadrius Lanus and Carla Powell who were voted as president and vice president of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, respectively, yesterday.
Their appointments mark the first time that a Black individual has served as the president and vice president at the same time in modern history.
“We are pleased to see that the Baton Rouge School Board shares DFER LA’s confidence in Dadrius and Carla’s ability to lead on behalf of the district’s students. Both Dadrius and Carla bring their experience as educators to their roles, along with a deep commitment to improving public education outcomes.
I look forward to working with both Dadrius and Carla, along with the rest of the school board, in our continued advocacy of a high quality, equitable education for Baton Rouge children.”
DFER LA’s partner organization, Education Reform Now Advocacy, a 501c4 organization, ran independent expenditure campaigns during the general election in support of both Lanus’ and Powell’s campaigns.
