FY2025 Budget Wins for Students

FY2025 Budget Wins for Students  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org 

Washington, D.C. (June 26, 2024) — In response to the D.C. Council’s final vote on the FY 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024 and Budget Support Act of 2024, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC), released the following statement:

“Earlier this year, ERN DC launched an advocacy campaign called “District Heroes” to urge the Mayor and DC Council to invest in tomorrow’s heroes—our students. Through digital advocacy, grassroots organizing, and dozens of conversations with the DC Council, this campaign galvanized critical support from Education Reform Champions for four important education investments: student attendance, literacy, secondary pathways, facilities, and math. 

Yesterday’s final budget vote marked a major victory for our students. Building on Mayor Bowser’s proposed investments, the Chairman and DC Council doubled down on reforming our public education system.

The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Financial Plan includes a 12.4% increase to the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula, along with an increase to the weight for at-risk students. Additionally, there are several impactful investments from our advocacy campaign: 

Supports student attendance by funding:

• $2.7 million for grants to address truancy, a case manager to expand the Addressing Truancy Through Engagement and Negotiated Dialogue (ATTEND) truancy prevention program, and to maintain investments in “nudge technology” to address chronic absenteeism at the District’s public schools

Provides innovative and evidence-based early literacy investments by prioritizing:

• $2.2 million for high-quality literacy instructional materials 

• $566k in FY25 and $2.9M in FY 26-28  for kindergarten structured literacy training and coaching pilot at up to 20 schools

Ensures safe and conducive learning environments by securing: 

Funding for the 3.1% annual increase to the public charter facilities allowance ($17.5 million across the financial plan)

Builds secondary pathways to college and career by providing:

• $150,000 for the subtitle, “Reporting Requirements for Career and Technical Education and Dual Enrollment,” which includes a youth-focused career preparation study

• Funds for the establishment of the Office of Education through Employment Pathways to implement a data system to provide key insights into education and workforce outcomes

• Significant investments to expand dual enrollment opportunities, including $17 million to expand the Advanced Technical Center at Penn Center; $600,000 to support the opening of a new Advanced Technical Center at the Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center in Ward 8; and $5 million to Reimagine High School, support the Advanced Technical Center in Ward 5, Career Ready Internship, Advanced Technical Internship, and dual enrollment seats

Giles continued, “In the coming months, we look forward to supporting the implementation of these critical investments so that all of our students are put on the path to success. We will also focus on ways to address our math education problem. When more than three out of four students are struggling in math, it is clear that our work is far from over.”

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About Education Reform Now D.C. 

ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.

FY2025 Budget Wins for Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org 

Washington, D.C. (June 26, 2024) — In response to the D.C. Council’s final vote on the FY 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024 and Budget Support Act of 2024, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC), released the following statement:

“Earlier this year, ERN DC launched an advocacy campaign called “District Heroes” to urge the Mayor and DC Council to invest in tomorrow’s heroes—our students. Through digital advocacy, grassroots organizing, and dozens of conversations with the DC Council, this campaign galvanized critical support from Education Reform Champions for four important education investments: student attendance, literacy, secondary pathways, facilities, and math. 

Yesterday’s final budget vote marked a major victory for our students. Building on Mayor Bowser’s proposed investments, the Chairman and DC Council doubled down on reforming our public education system.

The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Financial Plan includes a 12.4% increase to the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula, along with an increase to the weight for at-risk students. Additionally, there are several impactful investments from our advocacy campaign: 

Supports student attendance by funding:

• $2.2 million in one-time funds for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education truancy grants to non-profit and community-based organizations

• the Office of the Attorney General’s ATTEND (Abating Truancy Through Engagement and Negotiated Dialogue) Mediation Program

Provides innovative and evidence-based early literacy investments by prioritizing:

• $2.2 million for high-quality literacy instructional materials 

• $566k in FY25 and $2.9M in FY 26-28  for kindergarten structured literacy training and coaching pilot at up to 20 schools

Ensures safe and conducive learning environments by securing: 
Funding for the 3.1% annual increase to the public charter facilities allowance ($17.5 million across the financial plan)

Builds secondary pathways to college and career by providing:

• $150,000 for the subtitle, “Reporting Requirements for Career and Technical Education and Dual Enrollment,” which includes a youth-focused career preparation study

• Funds for the establishment of the Office of Education through Employment Pathways to implement a data system to provide key insights into education and workforce outcomes

• Significant investments to expand dual enrollment opportunities, including $17 million to expand the Advanced Technical Center at Penn Center; $600,000 to support the opening of a new Advanced Technical Center at the Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center in Ward 8; and $5 million to Reimagine High School, support the Advanced Technical Center in Ward 5, Career Ready Internship, Advanced Technical Internship, and dual enrollment seats

Giles continued, “In the coming months, we look forward to supporting the implementation of these critical investments so that all of our students are put on the path to success. We will also focus on ways to address our math education problem. When more than three out of four students are struggling in math, it is clear that our work is far from over.”

# # #

About Education Reform Now D.C. 
ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.

ERN DC Applauds Mayor Bowser’s Commitment to Students

ERN DC Applauds Mayor Bowser’s Commitment to Students 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org 

Washington, D.C. (February 14, 2024) — In response to Mayor Bowser announcing a 12.4% increase to the uniform per student funding formula (UPSFF) in her fiscal year 2025 budget proposal, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Education Reform Now D.C., released the following statement:

“Despite heading into one of the most challenging budget seasons in recent memory, Mayor Bowser demonstrated an unwavering commitment to funding the needs of our learners and their educators. The historic boost to the District’s per-student funding formula sends a clear message to parents: your learner’s academic achievement is my top priority. 

As the District faces an approaching Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) cliff, it is critical for all our leaders to continue funding evidence-based solutions that improve attendance and safety while preparing our students to be the leaders of tomorrow: strengthening early literacy, innovating in math, and building high-wage career pathways.”  

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About Education Reform Now D.C.
ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.

ERN DC Applauds Expansion of the Advanced Technical Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org 

Washington, D.C. (January 25, 2024) — In response to Mayor Bowser announcing a $4.1m grant to expand access to the Advanced Technical Center, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Education Reform Now D.C., released the following statement:

“We applaud the Mayor’s office and the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued investment in expanding access to DC’s Advanced Technical Center. Effective, innovative programs like the ATC dismantle barriers to college access and open pathways to high-wage careers. Encouraging a seamless integration between high school, college, and career is now more urgent than ever to ensure students graduate college and career ready. We hope this grant serves as a catalyst for additional investments to expand dual enrollment access for all students, particularly students of color who live East of the River.”

# # #

About Education Reform Now D.C.
ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.

ERN’s Statement on Charter Teacher’s Pay

Mayor Bowser Delivers on Higher Educator Pay  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org 

Washington, D.C. (September 27, 2023) — In response to Mayor Bowser and OSSE’s distribution of more than $64 million to nearly 140 public charter schools in the first installment of the charter teacher pay program, Education Reform Now D.C., released the following statement:

“All students need great educators, and no matter which public school our students attend this year, their educators will receive historic pay raises and retroactive pay, “ said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Education Reform Now D.C. “This year’s unprecedented investment in our educator workforce was possible because of Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson’s commitment to equity and the retention of educators.” 

# # #

About Education Reform Now D.C. 

ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.

Statement on D.C. Council’s Final Budget Vote

Statement on D.C. Council’s Final Budget Vote
“D.C. public schools set to receive a massive $3 billion in funding.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@dfer.org 

WASHINGTON (June 14, 2023) — Today, Jessica Giles, Executive Director at DFER D.C., issued a statement on the inclusion of DFER D.C.’s priorities in the FY2024 D.C. Council budget:  

“This year’s unique budget season was full of tough choices, but thanks to Mayor Bowser, Chairman Mendelson, and the D.C. Council’s commitment to education equity, an unprecedented $3 billion in operating and capital spending will be infused directly to D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools. For the second year in a row, the per-pupil funding formula increased by more than 5%, marking continued investment in D.C.’s public school students,” said Jessica Giles.

“This budget reassures D.C. voters that their lawmakers are taking direct action to address massive learning setbacks.”   

The FY2024 budget and financial plan included the following critical investments:

• 5.05% increase to the per-student funding, or $13,046 per pupil.

• An increase to the at-risk concentration weights by .02 or $9,375,754 across the four-year financial plan.

• Maintains the public charter school facilities allotment at 3.1%.

• Provides retroactive and forward pay increases for DCPS and public charter school educators, with an additional $15 million bringing the forward pay in line with DCPS.

• $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.

• Maintains investments in Out of School Time, safe passage, restorative justice, and high-impact tutoring programming.

• Creates a centralized system to collect, analyze, and publish  pre-kindergarten through 12, higher education, adult education, and workforce data.

Giles continued, “As the District braces for a future with declining revenues, our elected officials must double down on targeted efforts to ensure students furthest from opportunity can live, learn, and thrive in the District of Columbia.”  

About Democrats for Education Reform D.C. 

Democrats for Education Reform D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in D.C.’s public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.

DFER DC Statement on the Mayor’s Proposed FY2024 Budget

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.

Read our full priorities here. For questions, contact: dferdc@dfer.org.

About Democrats for Education Reform 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. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.

DC Voters Overwhelmingly Support Equal Funding for DCPS and Public Charter Schools - AFRO News

Nearly 8 of 10 voters (79%) believe that the Mayor and D.C. Council should include a raise in compensation for DCPS and public charter school educators in this year’s budget. The same percentage of voters (79%) believe that the D.C. Council should maintain the 3.1% charter facilities allowance increase so public charter schools can continue to make rent or mortgage payments, complete major renovations or modernizations, and pay for utilities, repairs, and maintenance.

“These results underscore that D.C. voters want all our students to have high-quality public education options, educators who are fairly compensated, and schools that are modernized–whether students attend a traditional public school or public charter,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of ERN D.C. In the fiscal year 2024 budget, we urge the Mayor and D.C. Council to listen to voters and prioritize an equitable education for all students, which includes equal funding for DCPS and public charter schools.”

SurveyUSA interviewed 501 District of Columbia registered voters who voted in the November 2022 general election or the November 2020 general election. This research was conducted between Feb. 20, 2023 and Feb. 26, 2023.

(read more)

DC Voters Overwhelmingly Support Equal Funding for DCPS and Public Charter Schools - Black Press USA

Nearly 8 of 10 voters (79%) believe that the Mayor and D.C. Council should include a raise in compensation for DCPS and public charter school educators in this year’s budget. The same percentage of voters (79%) believe that the D.C. Council should maintain the 3.1% charter facilities allowance increase so public charter schools can continue to make rent or mortgage payments, complete major renovations or modernizations, and pay for utilities, repairs, and maintenance.

“These results underscore that D.C. voters want all our students to have high-quality public education options, educators who are fairly compensated, and schools that are modernized–whether students attend a traditional public school or public charter,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of ERN D.C. In the fiscal year 2024 budget, we urge the Mayor and D.C. Council to listen to voters and prioritize an equitable education for all students, which includes equal funding for DCPS and public charter schools.”

SurveyUSA interviewed 501 District of Columbia registered voters who voted in the November 2022 general election or the November 2020 general election. This research was conducted between Feb. 20, 2023 and Feb. 26, 2023.

(read more)

DFER DC Applauds Mayor Bowser’s on Proposed FY2024 Per Pupil Funding Increase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Victoria Fosdal, victoria@dfer.org

(Washington, D.C.) February 16, 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 for educators in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools,” Giles said. 

Giles continued, “In the coming weeks, 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.”

Read DFER D.C.’s complete 2023 policy priorities here. 

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. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.

2022 DC General Election Press Statement

For Immediate Release Contact:

Policy and Communications Manager Joshua Hodge

jhodge@dfer.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 11, 2022) — Jessica Giles, State Director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.), released the following statement after unofficial results from the November General Election:

“With students experiencing unprecedented missed learning and the scourge of gun violence impacting our youth at an all-time high, we need leaders who can get us through this storm – and help us come out of it stronger,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles. 

“We congratulate DFER D.C. supported education champions: Muriel Bowser, Phil Mendelson, Oye Owolewa, Anita Bonds, Kenyan McDuffie, Eric Goulet, and Brandon Best.

“Additionally, we congratulate all other candidates for winning their races:

• Delegate of the U.S. House of Representatives from D.C: Eleanor Holmes Norton

• Attorney General of D.C.: Brain Schwalb

• Ward 1 D.C. Council: Brianne K. Nadeau 

• Ward 3 D.C. Council: Matthew Frumin 

• Ward 5 D.C. Council: Zachary Parker

• Ward 6 D.C. Council: Charles Allen 

• Ward 1 State Board of Education: Ben Williams 

• Ward 5 State Board of Education: Robert Henderson

“As we move forward, we look forward to working collaboratively with all elected officials to ensure the District advances policies that are just and equitable for all students, teachers, and families.”

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.

Visit www.dferdc.org for more information.

DFER D.C. Congratulates Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chairman Phil Mendelson, Celebrates Citywide Victories For All Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2022) — Following the reported results for the D.C. Mayoral and Council Chairperson’s race in the D.C. Democratic Primary on June 21, 2022, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) State Director Jessica Giles released the following statement:

“D.C. Democrats voted for strong leaders with a record of delivering for students, families, and educators who will move the District forward,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles  

“During her time in office, Mayor Muriel Bowser fought for schools to be safely reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic and invested in historic public education funding. Chairman Phil Mendelson increased funding for schools serving high percentages of students designated as “at-risk” and expanded the school-based behavioral health program.”

“We are thrilled with these victories and know when elected in November, they will serve the District of Columbia well in the fight for more equitable funding and better results for all our students, families, and educators.”

Read DFER D.C.’s full endorsements of Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson at www.dferdc.org. 

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.

DFER D.C. Endorses Muriel Bowser for Mayor in the June Primary

Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) 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 D.C. 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 DC 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.”

Election information:
For important information on how to register to vote and key election dates, click this link here.

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.

Letter to 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

Statement on DCPS’s Decision to Postpone Reopening of Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 3, 2020) —  Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) released the following statement in response to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) announcement that elementary schools will not reopen on November 9 as originally scheduled.

“The original plan to reopen DC Public Schools, while admirable in its intent, missed the mark with many parents, teachers, and principals. We believe that today’s decision to postpone reopening was correct. 

Moving forward, Mayor Bowser and Chancellor Ferebee must work with principals, teachers, and families to devise a reopening plan that supports staff while allowing all students to receive high-quality instruction — regardless of whether they participate in person or virtually. Above all, the plan must prioritize the students and communities most likely to be negatively impacted by school closures, including students considered “at risk” and students with special needs. We urge all sides to make every effort to reach an agreement that makes reopening inclusive, equitable, and safe for all students and staff.”