DFER NY Joins Sen. Gounardes & Assemblywoman Walker to Ban College Admissions that Favor the Wealthy

DFER NY Joins Sen. Gounardes & Assembly Member Walker to Ban College Admissions that Favor Wealthy Students

New legislation to prohibit legacy, early admissions policies in higher education

NEW YORK, N.Y. (March 9, 2022)—Democrats for Education Reform New York (DFER NY) Director Jacquelyn Martell joined New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker today to unveil The Fair College Admissions Act, aimed at banning the legacy preference and binding early college admission policies sponsors say discriminate against racial minority, working class, and low-income students.

Approximately 50 New York State colleges provide legacy students—applicants who are descendants of alumni—an admissions preference. Almost one-third additionally provide an admission boost to those who apply early and commit to attend prior to seeing a financial aid package.

At top 30 universities, legacy students have a 45% greater chance of being admitted than equally qualified non-legacy students, while early decision applicants comprise up to 50% of the class at top schools, with an applicant pool that is more than three times as white as the regular decision applicant pool.

“Getting into the college of your choice should be a matter of ability and hard work. It should not be based on one’s family connections or ability to accept an offer without knowing about financial aid options,” said Sen. Gounardes. “That’s why Assembly Member Walker and I plan to end inequitable admissions policies with the Fair College Admissions Act. And for schools that persist with exclusionary admissions practices, our bill would assess penalties that would be used to support college affordability that are open and inclusive to all, further contributing to the economic success and mobility that all New Yorkers deserve.”

The new legislation will be enforced by charging a penalty to any institutions who do not follow the law, with the revenue from any penalties earmarked for low-income students statewide.

Recent polling from Public Policy Polling, commissioned by DFER NY partner education Reform Now Advocacy, found New York City voters favor banning the legacy preference by a near two-to-one margin (56% v. 30%) and discouraging early decision by the nearly the same (54% v. 35%).

“New York colleges should fairly provide a pathway of opportunity for all students, not serve as a gatekeeper for those already facing the greatest obstacles,” said DFER NY’s Martell. “I am proud to join with Senator Gounardes and Assembly member Walker in their push to make New York the first state in the nation to call for an end to both of these unjust policies.”

“The legacy preference and binding early decision are essentially affirmative action policies for the wealthy,” said Michael Dannenberg, vice president for higher education at Education Reform Now who first began working on the issue as aide to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA). “Admission to college should be based on qualifications of an applicant, not who their parents are or how much money they have. The New York legislation offers a national model for how states can tackle unfair admissions policies and hold colleges accountable for making a meaningful commitment to diversity and opportunity.”

You can view the full legislation here, as well as additional quotes from supporters below.

“For too long students from well-connected and wealthy families have benefitted from their privilege in the college admissions process while first-generation and low-income students lose out,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). “As a former educator I believe that education should disrupt inequality, not perpetuate it, and that is exactly why I have been fighting at the federal level to ban legacy admissions. The legislation introduced by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Latrice Walker supports our efforts to address unequitable admissions practices by prohibiting legacy preference and early decision policies at colleges and universities across New York State. Together, we must continue working to support our students and ensure equity in education.”

“Legacy admissions are inherently unfair; promising students are hurt by this policy,” said Claire Tempelman, student advocate at Cornell University. “It’s a relic of an earlier time and goes against values of justice and merit. As a representative of students at Cornell I know my peers are against this policy despite having the most to gain from it. When our Student Assembly passed a unanimously supported resolution to end the legacy preference, Cornell’s president vetoed us. It is time these institutions and the states that support them listen to students.”

Chara Abiah Lyons, New York City Public Schools alumna and Dartmouth College college student, said, “I applied through binding early decision to Dartmouth. Now I am transferring to another school and wish I had had more options as a college applicant. The pressures of affordability pushed me to Early Decision along with a lack of resources in my school and family. This bill will make sure every student has options.”

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About DFER NY 
DFER NY Political Action Committee committed to advancing educational equity for New York’s students. DFER-NY has recently worked to advance teacher diversification legislation, reduce the cost of broadband internet access for families, and increase funding for public charter schools. It is the partner organization of Education Reform Now Advocacy New York, a 501(c)4 advocacy organization that funds and supports legislative and political advocacy, and the affiliate organization of Education Reform Now New York, a 501(c)(3) non-partisan, nonprofit think tank and advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-16 public education, particularly for low-income students and students of color. DFER NY is a chapter of the national organization, Democrats for Education Reform.
 

DC Pens Letter to Mayor Bowser Urging Continued Progress Toward Educational Equity

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

Jacquelyn Martell to Lead DFER NY as State Director

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Feb. 1, 2022)—Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today that Jacquelyn Martell has been named the next director for DFER New York and its affiliate Education Reform Now New York.
In her new role, Martell will lead the chapter’s mission to develop a student-centered policy agenda rooted in educational equity and excellence. Priority issues include accelerating learning for all students—particularly for historically underserved students and those most impacted by the pandemic, promoting higher education access and affordability within the state, and overall, fighting for higher achievement and greater opportunities for all students in New York. 


“Jacquelyn has been a tremendous leader and advocate for children and families. Most recently, she was instrumental in cultivating critical relationships with the community, elected officials and key stakeholders in a $35 million school expansion project within Brooklyn—providing high quality public education options to more than 3,000 students within the East New York area,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “She spearheaded a robust parent program during the pandemic to engage hundreds of parents, and helped expand Achievement First’s high quality charter network to 91 students in Queens—73% of whom receive free and reduced price lunch and 100% of whom are students of color. I am confident that Jacquelyn has the expertise, bold vision, and passion necessary to lead New York toward a brighter, more equitable future for all children.”


Martell previously served as the State Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Achievement First Public Charter Schools, is a graduate of the Broad Center Residency in Education Leadership, and served as an organizer with the Service Employees International Union, among other notable achievements.


“Education is the linchpin of all social issues. That’s why it is critical that we fight to provide an opportunity-creating public education to all children within this country,” said Martell. “I was lucky to have parents and community members advocating on my behalf, but I’ve seen too often how a lack of access to a quality education can have an adverse impact on a child’s trajectory. Together with DFER, I can continue the fight to create an equitable and accessible system so all our children can access their full potential.”
DFER NY was established in 2007 to advocate for educational equity for nearly 3 million students in New York public schools. 

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About DFER NY
DFER NY Political Action Committee committed to advancing educational equity for New York’s students. DFER-NY has recently worked to advance teacher diversification legislation, reduce the cost of broadband internet access for families, and increase funding for public charter schools. It is the partner organization of Education Reform Now Advocacy New York, a 501(c)4 advocacy organization that funds and supports legislative and political advocacy, and the affiliate organization of Education Reform Now New York, a 501(c)(3) non-partisan, nonprofit think tank and advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-16 public education, particularly for low-income students and students of color. DFER NY is a chapter of the national organization, Democrats for Education Reform.
 

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Poll Confirms Education Motivating Issue For VA Voters In 2021 Election; Likely to be Major Factor in Midterms

POLL CONFIRMS EDUCATION MOTIVATING ISSUE FOR VA VOTERS IN 2021 ELECTION; LIKELY TO BE MAJOR FACTOR IN MIDTERMS

Warning For Democrats: Voters Want Leadership on Education Issues; Will Follow Whoever Steps Up With Right Message

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Nov. 22, 2021)—A new poll, jointly released today by Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) and Murmuration found that education was one of the primary issues voters considered when casting their ballots in the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial election. Republicans–with Democrats’ help—turned a natural Democratic advantage into a Republican strength by playing into parents’ frustrations.

Of voters who ranked education as a top issue (21% overall), a whopping 70% voted for Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin. These results underscore a concerning trend for Democrats—once the party of education—who have ceded ground to Republicans on the issue, as national polls show trust in Democrats shrinking from a 20-point advantage in the beginning of 2021, to a mere 7-point advantage this month.

Education issues were especially salient with Republicans, as well as voters who did not turn out in 2017, indicating the issue drove turnout for Youngkin. Nearly two thirds of voters who ranked education as their top issue were Republican, and education ranked highest for voters who did not vote in 2017; Youngkin won this group 57% to 40%.

Voters across demographics found Youngkin’s stated support to “invest more in schools, raise teacher pay, and demand better performance from our schools” (66%) convincing, including 28% of Biden voters.

Among Republicans, in particular, protecting parental involvement was an especially resonant message (96%), while Biden voters noted concerns over prolonged school closures based on unions, not science, as the most resonant argument against Terry McAuliffe (28%).  Prolonged school closures was also a highly resonant message among parents (46%).

“A high-quality public education has long been a tenet of the Democratic party, yet we didn’t see that come through in Virginia and it cost us the election,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “This isn’t about culture wars. It’s about frustrated voters—and parents—who want to be heard and who want increased opportunities for their children. The 2022 midterms will hinge on Democrats’ ability to learn from these lessons and lead on education.”

“Frustration and stress over the continued disruption to school resulting from the pandemic, and the response from political and educational leaders, is a big issue for parents, and absolutely influenced voters’ decisions in the recent election,” said Emma Bloomberg, CEO of Murmuration. “Education is now very much a part of the national discussion—as it should be—and we should be listening to parents to understand how to address their issues more effectively. The key to winning the growing number of education-first voters is to listen and engage the millions of parents who are focused on better, safer, and more equitable schools.”

The poll was commissioned by DFER partner organization Education Reform Now Advocacy and Murmuration, a multi-partisan, political strategy organization focused on education, and was conducted by national polling firm Anzalone Liszt Grove Research, in consultation with SocialSphere. Findings were based on live phone and text-to-web survey conducted Nov. 10-15, among 500 2021 general election voters in Virginia. The margin of error for the full sample is +/- 4.4%. You can view the full results here. Crosstabs available on request.

 
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.

 
About Murmuration
Murmuration is a multi-partisan, political strategy organization. We provide sophisticated data and analytics, proprietary technology, strategic guidance, and programmatic support to help our partners build political power and marshal support so necessary improvements are made to our public schools. Our team includes experts and innovators in data, analytics, technology, and strategy. We are former teachers, organizers, data scientists, nonprofit executives, and political campaign veterans. For more information visit www.murmuration.org.

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DFER NY Congratulates Eric Adams on Mayoral Victory

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Nov. 2, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform New York (DFER NY) released the following statement congratulating Eric Adams on winning the 2021 New York City Mayoral Election. Adams will be the second Black mayor in the history of the nation’s largest city and will run the largest school district in the country.

“We congratulate Eric Adams on his resounding victory in the New York City mayoral election and look forward to working together with him and the chancellor he appoints to prioritize educational equity and a relentless commitment to results for the city’s more than 1.1 million public school students,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred one of the greatest education challenges of our time, exacerbating already yawning opportunity gaps and risking generational harm for historically underserved students. This moment requires both a bold investment in resources and innovative approaches that will catalyze transformational change.

We are pleased that Adams’ vision for education acknowledges the critical need of the moment and includes new ideas for utilizing the lessons of remote learning to expand digital access and options for students. In a welcomed departure from his predecessor, Adams has made clear that he will support all high-quality public schools, seek more customized approaches to meeting students’ needs in and outside school, and expand rigorous curriculum for students of color and students from low-income communities.

To make bigger and bolder progress, we urge the Adams administration to ensure that these customized approaches are targeted, grounded in evidence-based strategies, and incorporate systemic changes to literacy instruction based on proven methods. We also encourage him to pursue pipeline programs to improve teacher preparation and diversify the teaching workforce, which we know have a tremendous impact on student achievement.

When it comes to our children’s futures we must act with urgency, and DFER NY is ready to be a resource and partner for Mayor Adams and his chancellor in building a brighter, more equitable future for every New York City student.”

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DFER Hires Shakira Petit as New Chief Operating Officer

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Oct. 15, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today that Shakira Petit has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer to support DFER’s continued growth and impact in its mission to advance educational outcomes for historically underserved students.

Petit brings 16 years of experience in teaching, managing, and leading, most recently serving as Deputy Superintendent of Greenburgh-Graham Unified School District—which specifically serves students in need of academic or emotional support—where she led historic improvements in both high-school graduation and college attendance rates. She previously worked at the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), serving as a department chair, principal, and key advisor to Geoffrey Canada at a time when HCZ distinguished itself as a national model for addressing issues of educational equity and interconnected social issues.

“Shakira has an unyielding dedication to expanding opportunities for young people and has been a transformational leader throughout her career—from streamlining talent development and retention for 300 school employees, to leading the implementation of cross-department accountability measures, to spearheading her school’s continued growth on the New York Regents exam by 20-30% as principal,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “She brings exactly the mix of management, team building, and results-oriented leadership DFER needs as we seek to grow our impact as an organization.”

In her new role, Petit will manage high-level daily operations for DFER, its affiliate organization, Education Reform Now, and the Leaders of Color program. She’ll serve as a strategic partner and member of the senior leadership team, drive goal setting and strategic development, and support operational function.

“I am excited to join DFER because its mission is aligned with my core beliefs,” said Petit. “I believe that we are responsible for balancing the glaring inequities that children of color experience every day in and out of school. DFER functions as a gap dweller that creates opportunities for children and families who are underserved, underrepresented, and those whose geographic location sentences them to generational patterns of poverty.”

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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DFER DC Testimony Safe Passage to School Expansion Act of 2021

The Committee of the Whole &

the Committee on Transportation & the Environment Public Hearing:
Bill 24-66, the Safe Passage to School Expansion Act of 2021

Nikki D’Angelo
Community Organizer
Democrats for Education Reform DC

Good morning Chairman Mendelson, Councilmember Cheh, Committee of the Whole, and Committee on Transportation and the Environment:

My name is Nikki D’Angelo, and I am a Ward 5 resident, DC Public Schools (DCPS) parent, former DC charter school teacher, and former DCPS central office employee. I am testifying on behalf of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC). I am pleased to testify in support of Bill 24-66, the Safe Passage to School Expansion Act of 2021. I hope that this testimony will provide a critical perspective for keeping our students safe.

Now that students are back to school, the issue of safe passage has to be prioritized. As described in the Office of the Student’s Advocate’s survey and report on student safe passage, too many students do not feel safe.[1] I believe that DC must ensure that all students, teachers, and community members are heard so that safe passage policies are specific to each school and community yet nimble enough to reflect our changing needs. This will require true flexibility, autonomy, and equity in budgeting and fidelity and accountability in practice.

I have many personal connections and stories that speak to what this bill hopes to accomplish.  My son attends Burroughs Elementary in Ward 5 and the young girl who was recently killed by a vehicle driving through the neighborhood is not far from where I walk with my son and dog to and from school. We were almost hit by a car crossing Rhode Island Avenue in the crosswalk the other day.

I used to work at IDEA Public Charter school in Deanwood. I heard too many times from students about how unsafe they feel walking to and from the metro, especially considering there was usually a lot of activity near the Deanwood Recreation Center one block away. I also used to work off of Benning road at DC Prep Benning Elementary. Walking to work one day at the beginning of the school year, I was stopped by a man in his car right off Benning road who attempted to pull me into his car.  If I can be the victim of harassment and attempted kidnapping near a school, so can a small child. I always appreciated that many students had access to safe passage buses and routes. However, I would have loved to see more folks on the ground trained and supported to handle traffic and conflicts that inevitably occur in a large city like ours.  If my students and I had the in-depth support a bill like this could provide, so many damaging experiences would have been prevented.

I know much is being done regarding these issues. With this new bill, I appreciate the focus on collaboration and problem solving amongst District agencies.  However, as I’ve seen working for DCPS at the Central Office level, “communication” sounds great in theory, but I think the Council must prioritize ensuring timely and productive communication in practice in this bill.  Additionally, I appreciate the focus on leaning on the wisdom and connections of community-based organizations – each ward and neighborhood within those wards have different problems and thus, must have tailored solutions. However, as I’ve seen educating in DC charter schools, ensuring stabilized funding for organizations is important so that they have the time to build out effective systems. As we know, working with people takes time, intention, and sometimes trial and error.  Lastly, I appreciate the focus on putting actual folks on the ground to monitor high priority areas because, as I mentioned, I’ve heard from too many students and experienced enough myself to know that actual feet on the ground is a tactic I can see truly working.

In conclusion, I can not say this enough – the DC Council must continue to center the voices and experiences of students, parents, and community members to achieve the best results for our communities. I hope that as the school year continues and new information unfolds, the DC Council will continue to focus its efforts on ensuring our students are safe coming to and from home and school. Prioritizing higher risk areas, schools, safe spots around corridors and libraries and restorative justice practices are incredibly impactful initiatives that I had positive experiences with inside and outside the schools I’ve worked in and sent my son to. I would also implore the Council to uplift the work already being done by so many across the city in community organizations, DCPS and Charter schools – we have foundations that are not always built upon and replicated, but if they are effective, we should continue to invest in them.

Therefore, I urge the DC Council to center, prioritize and ensure funding for community-based organizations to do this difficult work.  I hope that the Council will monitor the effectiveness of the programs implemented because we aren’t speaking theoretically when it comes to protecting the lives of children. Thank you for allowing me to testify.

[1] February-April 2020. Office of the Student Advocate. “Safe Passage: A Student’s Perspective.” Source: https://sboe.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/sboe/Safe%20Passage%20Report%20SY%202019-20%20Final.pdf

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DFER DC Testimony on Safe Passage Policies

Nikki D’Angelo

Community Organizer

Democrats for Education Reform DC

Good evening Executive Director John-Paul Hayworth and Representatives of the State Board:

My name is Nikki D’Angelo and I am a Ward 5 resident, DCPS parent, former DC charter school teacher and former DCPS central office employee. I am testifying on behalf of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) and I am pleased to offer testimony in support of safe passage. It is my hope that this testimony will provide a critical perspective for keeping our students safe.

Now that students are back to school, the issue of safe passage has to be prioritized. As described in the Office of the Student’s Advocate’s survey and report on student safe passage, too many students do not feel safe.[1] I believe that DC must ensure that all students, teachers, and community members are heard so that safe passage policies are specific to each school and community yet nimble enough to reflect our changing needs. This will require true flexibility, autonomy, and equity in budgeting and fidelity and accountability in practice.

Shuttles and safe routes

I know there’s been a lot of work around safe passage being done by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) and simply, there’s more that needs to be done. That is why I am supportive of increased shuttles and safe routes. The last thing students need to worry about is getting safely to school. I’ve had my own experience with this issue. One day I was walking from the Benning metro to the school I taught at, DC Prep Benning Elementary School, when a car pulled up alongside me just as I crossed Benning Rd. He rolled down his window, leaned over from the driver’s side and told me to get in.  When I refused, he lunged to grab me and pull me inside the car. I was able to get away and run to my school, but despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to teach for the day – leaving my new second grade class with a last minute substitute. If this can happen to me in broad daylight, it can happen to anyone.

I also know there have been numerous altercations and harassment near Deanwood metro station. From my experience teaching at IDEA public charter school a couple of years ago, many of my students successfully used the safe passage shuttles already in place to the Deanwood metro, yet still frequently reported feeling unsafe walking from the Deanwood metro to the school campus.

Additionally, there’s a lot of speeding in ward five, especially on major roads like South Dakota Road, Rhode Island Avenue, and Bladensburg Road, which bleed into the surrounding residential areas. This concerns me because a lot of students in my neighborhood walk to Langdon Elementary school or Burroughs Elementary school where my son attends. My sincerest gratitude goes to Representative Zachary Parker for his outspokenness and work on this issue in ward five, especially considering the 5-year-old who was tragically killed by a vehicle in my neighborhood two weeks ago.

To reiterate, despite the work that’s been done, too many students still struggle with arriving safely to and from school. Each ward has differing problems and thus, must have tailored solutions. It is imperative that policymakers center the voices and experiences of community members in order to achieve the best results for our communities.

It is my hope that as the school year continues and new information unfolds, the DC State Board of Education will continue to focus its efforts on how to ensure our students are safe coming to and from home and school.

Thank you for allowing me to testify.

[1] February-April 2020. Office of the Student Advocate. “Safe Passage: A Student’s Perspective.” Source: https://sboe.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/sboe/Safe%20Passage%20Report%20SY%202019-20%20Final.pdf

DFER DC Testimony on School Reopening

Committee of the Whole Public Roundtable:

Re-Opening District of Columbia Public Schools and District of Columbia Public Charter Schools for School Year 2021-2022

Nikki D’Angelo

Community Organizer

Democrats for Education Reform DC

Good morning Chairman Mendelson and the Committee of the Whole:

My name is Nikki D’Angelo and I am a Ward 5 resident, DCPS parent and former DC charter school teacher. I am testifying on behalf of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) and I am pleased to offer testimony in support of school reopenings. It is my hope that this testimony will provide a critical perspective for keeping our students IN schools.

Since March 2020, our education community in DC has been stunned and traumatized by the impact of COVID-19. So many DCPS and DC charter school parents work full-time jobs that require them to be in-person and/or not work between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. In these cases, school reopenings have helped us breathe a sigh of relief.  While virtual learning helped many of our students continue their education and stay connected with our education community, it did not offer the kind of educational experience and support that students and families deserve.

For individuals working full time, in-person, and especially those deemed “essential workers”, adding “at-home teacher” to their growing list of priorities and family responsibilities in a global pandemic was a massive and unexpected undertaking. For 13 months, I worked for $15.00 per hour, 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. shifts when I didn’t have my son, picked him up directly after work, and survived full-time single motherhood with minimal support from the education community to which I was accustomed.  If I couldn’t work in-person, I couldn’t put food on the table.

About 47% of public school students are considered “at-risk” – we know that means that many of their parents can identify with one or multiple of the following communities: under-represented, low-income, full-time working, single parents or guardians. Not to mention the families, like

mine, who might not be captured by an at-risk designation but who still struggle. Additionally, Washington, DC continues to be in the top 5 most expensive cities in the country.[1]

In July of 2021, when I began working with DFER DC, I was able to work from home which has afforded me a different ability to support my son’s education through the tail end of the pandemic. I no longer work three jobs to support my son and can focus on my work while he is in person, at school, where he thrives and learns things I can’t teach him on my own despite my being a former teacher.

Many parents in general struggle with the concept of whether or not they feel entirely safe sending their children back to school. As published in the NY Times article in July of this year, “In the Covid-19 Economy, You Can Have a Kid or a Job. You Can’t Have Both” parents I’ve been speaking to are making that decision: sending their children back because they cannot afford to miss work.[2] Other concerns I’ve heard range from whether or not our facilities are up-to-date enough to keep students as safe as possible and what the long-term logistical plan is to keep our kids in and safe in all our different schools and communities.

It is my hope that as the school year continues and new information unfolds, the DC Council will focus its efforts on how to maintain in-person learning while also ensuring COVID does not spread within our schools.

Thank you for allowing me to testify.

[1] June 9, 2021. Quicken Loans. “The 15 Most Expensive Cities In The US And What They Really Cost.” source: https://www.quickenloans.com/blog/15-most-expensive-cities-in-the-us
[2] July 2, 202. The New York Times. “In the Covid-19 Economy, You Can Have a Kid or a Job. You Can’t Have Both.” source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/02/business/covid-economy-parents-kids-career-homeschooling.html

DFER DC Statement on Vaccine Mandate

WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 10, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) Director Jessica Giles released the following statement today in response to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s COVID-19 Situational Update: 
“I applaud Mayor Bowser for requiring DC government employees, including DCPS staff, paid contractors, grantees, and interns of the District to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or undergo weekly testing. I also support similar requirements for DC public charter school staff, teachers, contractors, and grantees to protect all DC children and families. 

One of the greatest threats to Black lives over this past year has been the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately infected and killed Black people and communities of color. Making matters worse, we learned today that 10% of new COVID cases are now being diagnosed in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. This is a public health crisis and a social justice crisis, but we can save lives by getting vaccinated.
Following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention every DC resident over the age of 12 years old should be vaccinated from COVID-19 and, in areas of substantial or high transmission, wear masks in public indoor settings. 

Mandating vaccinations is not only the right thing to do, but it is highly popular among DC residents. Education Reform Now Advocacy’s latest poll shows  DC voters overwhelmingly support vaccine requirements for DCPS and public charter employees—86% and 85% respectively, with 89% of voters expressing concern over the latest COVID-19 variants.

By getting vaccinated we can protect our students and our communities. Everyone must rise to the occasion to ensure our students have a healthy, safe, and strong school year.”

About DFER DC 
Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) works to recruit, educate, and help elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to a public education system in Washington, DC, that justly and equitably serves all students. Education Reform Now Advocacy is a partner organization of DFER DC. 

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