ERN DC Commend D.C. Council for Additional Investments in Public Education

CONTACT: Cesar Toledo
cesar@edreformnow.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 17, 2023) – Today, Education Reform Now D.C. Executive Director Jessica Giles released the following statement after the first D.C. Council vote on the fiscal year 2024 budget:

“ERN D.C. mobilized hundreds of education advocates across the District to urge the D.C. Council to meet the urgent needs of our Black and Brown students and their educators,” said Jessica Giles. “The D.C. Council listened and took action. Thanks to Chairman Mendelson’s leadership and support for public education, this budget moves the District closer to equitable funding for schools via an increase to the at-risk concentration weights and an additional $15 million for public charter school salary increases with new funding flexibility proposed by Deputy Mayor Paul Kihn and Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant.”  

Giles continued, “Another new, positive investment is $1.2 million to create a pipeline of behavioral health specialists by funding a Master of Social Work degree program at the University of the District of Columbia.”

“As the next vote approaches, we look forward to continuing to work with the D.C. Council to ensure our Black and Brown students have a just and equitable education regardless of where they live or attend public school,” Giles said.

The next vote on the Local Budget Act of 2023 is May 30, and a vote on the Budget Support Act of 2023 is expected in June.