DFER President Shavar Jeffries Announces Departure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               CONTACT: Victoria Fosdal
September 12, 2022                                                             victoria@dfer.org

DFER PRESIDENT SHAVAR JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE
Board of Directors hiring firm to select a successor

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Sept. 12, 2022) – After seven years leading Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), National President Shavar Jeffries has announced that he will leave the organization at the end of the year.
 
Jeffries is stepping away from DFER to transition as the CEO of KIPP Public Charter Schools. DFER’s Board of Directors is securing a search firm to select a successor for Jeffries.
 
“It has been my honor and pleasure to serve DFER and its affiliate ERN. We have done extraordinary things for young people, from helping to pass over 100 pivotal pieces of legislation—including securing $2.8 billion in federal and state charter funding through state increases and the federal Charter School Program, ensuring accountability measures remain in the Every Student Succeeds Act—to supporting victories for education reformers in more than 100 key races,” said Jeffries.
 
“After many years leading this remarkable organization, I believe it is now the right time for me to pass the baton to a new leader—one who will bring a fresh perspective to the helm, and help DFER continue to carry out its mission to ensure that every child has access to a high quality public education,” added Jeffries.
 
Under Jeffries’ leadership, DFER tripled the size of its team, maintained budget surpluses for seven consecutive years, and grew its partnerships with education reform, civil rights, and education advocacy partners.
 
Among many other things, DFER and its affiliate ERN played a pivotal role during the pandemic, helping to persuade the federal government to set-aside $28 billion in recovery-act appropriations for evidence-based interventions, and in several states, ERN was influential in pushing local legislatures to enact small-group tutoring programs, serving over 1 million students. Affiliate ERN’s team also helped to persuade federal and state governments to preserve critical assessments concerning student academic progress, invest more heavily in teacher-training programs at minority-serving institutions to diversify the teaching force, and increase access, equity, and affordability in higher education.

Giving truth to his commitment to empower leadership within communities of color, Jeffries implemented the first-of-its-kind Leaders of Color fellowship to recruit, elect, and elevate Black and Latino leaders who are committed to education reform. Since the program’s founding in 2018, 210 alumni have graduated from Leaders of Color, with 38 having run or currently running for office, and 78 serving in non-elected positions of influence.
 
“Shavar has brought tremendous vision and dedication to DFER to solidify our presence as a national player in the fight to create transformational opportunities for our nation’s historically underserved students,” said DFER COO Shakira Petit. “We have all benefited from his leadership, and wish him well as he brings his talents and vision to supporting a high quality education for the 175,000 students and alumni of KIPP.”
 
Upon his departure, Petit will serve as Interim President.

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Democrats for Education Reform Launches First Texas Chapter

DEMOCRATS FOR EDUCATION REFORM LAUNCHES FIRST TEXAS CHAPTER

Org to Build Democratic Leadership Pipeline to Support Ed Equity

AUSTIN, TX (AUGUST 24, 2022) – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today that the organization will expand to the Lone Star State, launching its newest chapter, DFER Texas, effective immediately.

DFER seeks to elect and support Democratic candidates who embrace accountability and innovation in public education to ensure that every child, particularly students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, receive a high quality education.

This year’s annual Texas state assessment revealed fewer than half of students of color and students from low-income families in grades three through eight are meeting grade-level expectations in math and English. And last week, the state education agency (TEA) released the first accountability rankings since 2019 showing, this year, only 18% of Texas’ lowest income public school campuses received the highest distinction in the accountability rating system. 

“The students of Texas deserve education champions who will fight for their futures. With Texas growing its electoral diversity, there is significant opportunity to support Democratic candidates and electeds who will champion education reform policies,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “Expansion is not a decision we take lightly, and we are confident that DFER is well-positioned to have a real, lasting impact in Texas.”

Opening the chapter is Garry Jones, who will serve as DFER Texas Political Director. Jones brings more than a decade of experience as a strategist working in Texas Democratic politics. He most recently served as a Chief of Staff in the Texas State Senate.

 “As a proud Texas Democrat, I’m thrilled to join DFER to grow the pipeline of Democratic elected officials and leaders who are committed to improving educational outcomes for every child, particularly those whom our state has historically underserved,” said Jones. 

While DFER’s chapter is new, its presence in Texas is not. Over the past two years, DFER has supported Legacy 44 (L44), 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. Together with DFER, L44 supported 23 members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus last cycle and eight state legislators and state board of education members in 2022.

DFER is currently interviewing applicants to fill the Texas State Director position. Interested applicants can learn more here.

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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.

Poll: Dems Trail Republicans in Trust on Education in Battleground Districts

Poll: Dems Trail Republicans in Trust on Education in Battleground Districts

Voters want focus on helping students make up for missed learning from pandemic, not race & identity

NEW YORK, N.Y. (July 13, 2022) — A new poll released today by Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) shows likely voters in Congressional battleground districts no longer trust Democrats over Republicans on issues related to education—a historic and deeply concerning reversal for the Democratic Party.

The poll, which was conducted by Impact Research, found that on education, voters want a focus on helping students make up lost ground from the pandemic, but think both parties—and especially Democrats—are more focused on how race and gender issues are taught in schools (R 47%, D 54%) than on helping students get back on track (R 33%, D 26%). Voters believe Democrats are also more focused on student debt relief (60%) than on catching students up (20%) from COVID-related interruptions.

By a 22-point margin, voters also said they would rather schools focus on preparing students for jobs in the future (56%) than getting back to teaching the way they were before the pandemic (34%).

“Our nation is facing an education crisis of historic proportions. Voters are clearly frustrated and eager for leaders who will embrace innovation to enable students to recover from the pandemic and succeed in their futures,” said DFER President Shavar Jeffries. “While this poll should raise alarm bells for Democrats, it also details how our party can combine resources and reforms to rebuild trust with voters and, most importantly, provide a high-quality education for every student.”

Additional findings of note include:

  • Nearly nine-out-of-ten voters (87%) agree that students lost ground during the pandemic, and 60% say they’re still behind.
  • By a nearly 40-point margin, voters want schools to focus on helping students make up lost ground (66%) rather than focus on issues of race and gender in schools (27%).
  • Expanding one-on-one and small group tutoring was the most popular education proposal tested, even more popular than hiring more teachers or increasing security in schools.
  • Voters were less likely (60%) to support a Republican candidate for voting against American Rescue Plan funding to increase apprenticeships, skills training, and vocational programs in America’s schools.
  • Among Black and Latino battleground voters, Democrats lead by only 5 percentage points on the generic ballot, after winning them in 2018 by 82 and 36 points, respectively.

“This poll shows that Democrats’ historic advantage on education has been erased. While Democrats typically enjoyed a double-digit advantage on which party was more trusted on education before the pandemic, voters in these battleground districts now narrowly trust Republicans more on the issue,” said Matt Hogan, a partner at Impact Research.

The poll was commissioned by DFER partner organization Education Reform Now Advocacy. Impact Research conducted the survey of 800 likely 2022 voters in 62 Congressional battleground districts between June 14 and 21, 2022, via live phone and a text-to-web platform. The poll has a margin of error of +/-3.5%.

An analysis of the poll findings is available here, and the full poll can be found here. Crosstabs are available upon request.

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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. www.dfer.org.

DFER Statement on Revised CSP Regulations

NEW YORK, N.Y. (July 6, 2022) — Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) National President Shavar Jeffries issued the following statement in response to the revised regulations for the Charter Schools Program released by the U.S. Department of Education:

“The revised regulations are demonstrative of President Biden’s moderate stance on public charter schools—a stance reflective of his approach to policy writ large, and one largely informed by the advocacy of charter students and families, and Democratic leadership—including Senators Bennet, Booker, Hickenlooper and Feinstein, Rep. Torres, and Gov. Polis— who were strong advocates for the revised regulations.

These final regulations will promote accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility among all public schools, with a much more workable burden on high-quality public charter schools that serve millions of students nationwide than would have been the case under the originally proposed rules.”

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DFER D.C. Condemns the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

CONTACT: Joshua Hodge
jhodge@dfer.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 25, 2022) — Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) State Director Jessica Giles released the following statement about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:

“We are outraged by this decision,” said Giles. “It jeopardizes countless lives as states across the country are moving to ban abortion. Millions of people will no longer have access to basic health care & reproductive health care.”

“We call on the Mayor and the D.C. Council to enact legislation that will further protect individuals asserting their reproductive rights in the District of Columbia. We urge Congress to codify the right to abortion in federal law and immediately pass H.R.51, the “Washington, D.C. Admission Act. Because the District does not have statehood, Congress must act quickly to protect our residents from meddling Republicans who would seek to ban abortion in D.C.”

“As Pro-choice Democrats, we will always fight for the right for every person to choose to: reproduce, use contraception, marry the person they love, and educate their child at the school of their choice.”

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.

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DFER D.C. Endorses Oye Owolewa for U.S. Shadow Representative in the June 21 Primary

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.

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The D.C. Council Makes Historic Investments in Public Education, a Win for Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 7, 2022) – Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) State Director Jessica Giles released the following statement on the inclusion of DFER D.C.’s priorities in the FY2023 budget:

“Our community urged Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chairman Phil Mendelson, and the D.C. Council to pass an education budget that helps fix school funding inequity, invests in safe and positive learning environments, and supports our educators; and they delivered,” Giles said.

“Last Tuesday, the D.C. Council voted in support of historic investments in per-pupil funding, greater funding for schools serving high percentages of students designated as at-risk, an updated adequacy study for education, a 3.1% increase in the charter facilities allotment, structured literacy training for educators, school-based behavioral health supports, and an expansion of a pre-existing first-time homeowner financial assistance program to educators.

“Our elected officials continue to show that education is of utmost importance by making these historic investments.

“Our students must come first  – no matter what. Their race, gender, sexual orientation, class, zip code, or disability should not impact the quality of education they receive. This is why we fight for a budget that works in the best interest of our students and our community.

“We look forward to continuing to partner with the office of the Mayor, D.C. Council, and the D.C. State Board of Education to ensure all students—especially those who have been historically disenfranchised — have the opportunity to have a fair, equitable, and high-quality public education.”

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, the fiscal year 2023 budget and financial plan included the following investments:

  • Two new concentration at-risk weights in the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF), for a total of $10.4 million in recurring funding;
  • A $300,000 adequacy study every five years to ensure the UPSFF increases adequately for all students;
  • A 5.9% increase to the foundation of the UPSFF for all schools in FY 2023;
  • A 3.1% increase to the public charter facilities allotment in FY 2023 to keep up with rising costs in the District;
  • Structured literacy training for D.C. Public School teachers, a $2,000 stipend for those who complete the training, and a task force;
  • An increase in community-based organization grant sizes in the School-Based Behavioral Health program and $150,000 to fund a cost study;
  • Expansion to educators of a pre-existing first-time homeowner financial assistance program; and
  • Continued funding for restorative justice, dual enrollment, and High-Impact Tutoring.

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DFER DC Announces A Key Endorsement for the June Primary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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.

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DFER D.C. Announces A Key Endorsement for the June Primary

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.

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DFER Announces New State Director for Massachusetts

Democrats for Education Reform Announces New State Director for Massachusetts

Mary Tamer Tapped for Her Commitment to Educational Equity

APRIL 4, 2022 – Democrats for Education Reform announced today that Mary Tamer has been named the next State Director for DFER Massachusetts and its affiliate Education Reform Now Massachusetts. Tamer is a longtime education advocate and Democratic activist who is a product of the Boston Public Schools, a former BPS parent, and a past member of the Boston School Committee.

Tamer will lead the chapter’s mission to develop a student-centered policy agenda rooted in educational equity and excellence. The most pressing opportunities and challenges include amplifying issues faced by historically marginalized and underserved students, elevating several key pieces of legislation such as universal pre-k, expansion of early college programs, and support for charter public schools, and fighting for improved education for all students and families – including those impacted by the pandemic.

“Mary brings a broad base of experience and passion for this critical work, including her four-years on the Boston School Committee under Mayor Menino, where she helped pass a new weighted student funding formula so each student would be funded based on their unique needs rather than a static level of funding, and led the first Inclusion Task Force to oversee the district’s efforts to expand high-quality inclusive options for more than 12,000 Boston Public Schools students with disabilities, among other achievements” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “At the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, Mary launched an online application that tripled the number of applications to Boston’s charter schools to 35,000—increasing access to families across the city. She has a demonstrated dedication to educational equity, and we look forward to her continued leadership on behalf of Massachusetts’ students.”

Prior to joining DFER, she worked for SchoolFacts Boston as the Education Research Director conducting reviews and leading dissemination of key metrics related to the Boston Public Schools, including oversight of the $1.3B budget, enrollment trends, and student outcomes and opportunities, with a primary focus on low-income populations, students of color, students with disabilities, and English learners.

Tamer ran as a first-time Boston City Council District 6 candidate in 2021, raising more than $185,000 and receiving more than 11,000 votes in the highly competitive race.

Tamer is the daughter of an Arabic-speaking English Learner, the sister of a high school dropout, and a Boston Public School student eligible for free lunch during Boston’s desegregation efforts, all of which shaped her worldview as well as her deliberate path toward education equity. Her two children also attended Boston Public Schools.

“My family’s lived experience within Boston Public Schools some decades ago, and more recently, is all-too relevant today—whether in Boston or across our Gateway Cities—as we continue to see disparate outcomes, treatment, and classification for students of color, low-income students, English Learners, and students with disabilities,” said Tamer. “The urgent need to address these stark disparities and inequities will drive my service as DFER’s State Director, where my professional, policymaking, and political experience will serve as a catalyst for constructive change for students and families across the state.”

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 affiliated with Education Reform Now, a non-partisan, nonprofit think tank and advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-16 public education.

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