D.C. Rebukes National Wave of Public Education Censorship

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2023) — Today, Jessica Giles, Executive Director at Education Reform Now D.C., issued a statement regarding the D.C. State Board of Education’s adoption of new social studies standards and menstrual health guidelines: 

“As state legislatures across the country seek to censor the voices and history of Black and other marginalized communities and restrict health education, this week D.C. embraced new social studies standards that confront our nation’s complex history and adopted universal menstrual health standards – a first in the country,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director at Education Reform Now D.C. 

“It’s imperative that D.C. counter the national movement to erase Black history and equip our youth with inclusive health literacy lessons. We look forward to D.C. tackling financial literacy standards, essential for success in life and career. We hope other states follow our lead in accurately modernizing their curriculum to foster a more informed and empathetic generation of future leaders.”

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About Education Reform Now D.C. 

ERN DC 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 DC Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination in DC public schools.

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.

DC Council’s Procurement Proposal is a Bureaucratic Nightmare

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

WASHINGTON (May 25, 2023) — Today, Jessica Giles, Executive Director at Education Reform Now D.C., issued a statement regarding the Public Works & Operations Public hearing on B25-0069, the “District of Columbia Public Schools Procurement Authority Amendment Act of 2023:″

“Repealing DCPS’s independent procurement authority would create a bureaucratic nightmare and lead to extensive delays in providing critical resources to our students. Today’s hearing on this legislation is overreach by the DC Council and is more of a political stunt than a solution,” said Jessica Giles.

Giles continued, “This proposal would have major unintended consequences that both DCPS and the D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement are unprepared to address. In the past, when DCPS was forced to outsource approval of contracts, school openings were delayed, and urgent repairs went unfixed. Ultimately, the passage of this bill would cause students, parents, educators, and principals to be victims of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape.”

“DCPS must take immediate corrective action to put accountability measures in place to transparently process major contracts.”

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About Education Reform Now D.C.
ERN DC 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 DC Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination in DC
public schools.

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.

DFER DC Welcomes Cesar Toledo as Deputy Director

WASHINGTON (April 5, 2023) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER D.C.) announced today that Cesar Toledo will serve as the organization’s Deputy Director. Cesar will support DFER D.C., its partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA), and its affiliate Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C).

“Cesar is committed to ensuring that every student, particularly our most marginalized students, reach their full potential,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director for DFER D.C. “He has a wealth of experience successfully executing issue-based campaigns and helping elect leaders who will make a transformational change for their communities.” 

Giles continued, “I am especially excited for his leadership during pandemic recovery because he will advance education reform in new and innovative ways to benefit all our students, families, and educators in the District.”

Cesar identifies as a queer Latino changemaker with a decade of experience centered on advancing equity and social justice. Cesar most recently served as the Political Director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, where he designed and spearheaded the organization’s most successful and historic electoral programs. He is recognized as a national LGBTQ+ advocate, having trained and helped elect hundreds of candidates up and down the ballot across the country. 

Before joining the movement for equality, Cesar executed multiple issue-based campaigns for various organizations focused on social impact, democracy, and immigration reform. Cesar began his career in education advocacy, serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer at a primary school in East Africa. He later got his start in politics canvassing for local candidates in California and interning for then-Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. He is a proud University of California, Riverside alum and a Ward 6 resident.

“Being raised by immigrant parents, I understand firsthand how crucial a high-quality public education is in breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling upward social mobility,” said Cesar Toledo, Deputy Director of DFER DC.

“After years of spearheading political and social impact campaigns, I’m excited to utilize those skills to build a pipeline of education champions in the District. I look forward to advancing an education reform agenda that justly and equitably serves all students, especially students of color,” said Toledo.  

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

WASHINGTON (March 14, 2023) — A new poll released today by Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C.) found overwhelming support (71%) for D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools to receive equal funding to support their students.

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. View the poll here.

About Education Reform Now D.C.
Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C.) is a non-partisan, nonprofit think tank and advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in Pre-K-16 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families in Washington, D.C.

Join our community in asking for fair and competitive compensation for all D.C. public school educators by signing this petition.

DFER DC STATEMENT ON D.C. DISAPPROVAL RESOLUTION NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Victoria Fosdal, victoria@dfer.org

(Washington, D.C.) March 3, 2023 — Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) Executive Director Jessica Giles released the following statement after President Biden’s announcement that he will sign the GOP-led disapproval resolution of the D.C. criminal code revision. If enacted, it will be the first time a disapproval resolution has nullified a local D.C. law in three decades.

“Regardless of where one stands on this legislation, this is a deeply disappointing development for Democracy, D.C. home rule, and D.C. residents’ longstanding fight for equality and self-governance,” Giles said. “It is especially disappointing that our fellow Democrats have turned their back on D.C. statehood.” Giles continued, “Voters of the District of Columbia deserve to have their voices heard without federal representatives — who have no affiliation with Washington, D.C. — inserting themselves into local affairs.” “I urge President Biden and federal lawmakers to realize that this paternalistic, anti-democratic Republican-led opposition is anti-American and to oppose any efforts to force Congress’ views upon D.C. residents. Let local politics be handled locally.”

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

2023 Policy Priorities

Democrats For Education Reform DC fights for a just and equitable public education system for all students, particularly students of color and low-income students. 

For more information visit dferdc.org or contact dferdc@dfer.org.

Resource Equity

• All students deserve a high-quality education. Increase the uniform per student funding formula (UPSFF) base by at least the inflation rate, with greater resources for students who need more support.

• Support the well-being of our students. Faithfully implement & fully invest in school-based behavioral health, Out of School Time, safe passage, restorative justice, & high-impact tutoring programming.

• Provide high-quality, safe, & educationally appropriate buildings. Maintain the public charter facilities allotment funding.

Teacher Quality & Preparation

• Only 32% of fourth-grade students performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level in reading. Require all K-5 educators to receive free & accessible structured literacy training with incentives to strengthen how educators teach reading.

• All educators deserve fair & competitive compensation. Provide public charter school educators with a raise in compensation by giving them an equivalent payment to the back pay DCPS teachers received & ensure that future salary increases are sent to all schools through the UPSFF.

Accountability

• Students with disabilities are our most marginalized students. 58% were chronically absent. 42% did not graduate in four years. 69% did not enroll in college. 0% exit from special education. Implement a set of recommendations for reforming our special education system.

• Many families do not receive their students’ test scores, & are not provided with actionable guidance to support their learners. Require sharing of student assessments with families in a way that is accessible & comprehensible for all families.

Higher Education Quality & Affordability

• 14 students out of 100 completed a postsecondary degree within 6 years. Improve college access & completion by expanding dual enrollment opportunities for students furthest from opportunity.

• Four D.C. universities give a birthright advantage to family members of alumni, which takes away seats from first-generation college students. Ban the legacy preference in college admissions in D.C.

High-Quality Public School Choice

• Our education system is complex. Create one website where families can find answers to all their questions and helpful resources to navigate care, education, and early career offerings for children and young adults 24 years old and younger.

• D.C. will review boundary assignments to determine which schools DCPS students are entitled by-right to attend based on their residential address. Ensure the DCPS Boundary study prioritizes equity & the voices of marginalized communities.

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.

Students Have the Right to Learn African American Studies Fully and Unfiltered

For Immediate Release Contact:

Victoria Fosdal

victoria@dfer.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 3, 2023) — In response to the release of the official curriculum for the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) course in African American Studies, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.), released the following statement:

“The College Board’s decision to water down AP African American Studies is shameful,” said DFER D.C. Executive Director Jessica Giles. 

“Black people are trans, queer, and non-binary/non-conforming. The erasure of Black identity is racist. Every person on this earth has intersecting identities, which shape our lived experiences. 

“Upwards of 26 million people in nearly 550 places protested police brutality in 2020, making Black Lives Matter (BLM) the largest movement in U.S. history. To remove BLM’s contributions from the story of African American life and struggle is negligent. 

“Lastly, wealth and resource extraction is a central part of the Black American experience, making the case for reparations an essential lesson for students. 

“Students have the right to learn about African American stories, history, culture, and contributions, fully and unfiltered. 63% of students in Washington, D.C., are Black/African American and D.C. public schools are currently offering this course to students. 

“The District must protect African American studies and improve college access and completion for students, including, but not limited to, increasing transparency in AP data, improving AP exam passage rates, and strengthening teacher preparation.”  

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.

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 DC Endorses Brandon Best for the State Board of Education

Brandon is the Best candidate!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:

Joshua Hodge
jhodge@dfer.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 22, 2022) – Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) announced its endorsement of Brandon Best, a candidate for the Ward 6 seat on the D.C. State Board of Education. The general election is on November 8, 2022.

“Brandon Best is a second-generation Washingtonian with 18 years of experience as an educator and school administrator. When elected, he will continue to deliver powerfully for students and families in ward six and across the District of Columbia,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles.

“Brandon has a strong record of serving students and families in the District. He organized a series of student-led Safe Passage Community Conversations with DC schools. He set aside emergency funds to provide food and supplies during the COVID pandemic. He created parent curriculum guides and launched family engagement labs. 

“Brandon is committed to developing innovative solutions and advancing best practices to solve myriad education challenges here in the District. He will work to ensure students get safely to and from school, have state-of-the-art school facilities, and have joyful learning experiences that prepare them for life after high school.

“Simply put, Brandon is the Best candidate for the Ward 6 seat on the DC State Board of Education.”

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 DC Endorses Carisa Stanley Beatty for the State Board of Education

Carisa is the ward five education champion we need in office!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:

Joshua Hodge
jhodge@dfer.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 22, 2022) – Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) announced its endorsement of Carisa Stanley Beatty, a candidate for the Ward 5 seat on the D.C. State Board of Education. The general election is on November 8, 2022.

“As the only native Washingtonian and Black mother running for the Ward 5 seat on the D.C. State Board of Education, Carisa Stanley Beatty is an equity champion that will fight for all families to have a seat at the table,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles. 

“Carisa Stanley Beatty knows every student needs a safe and secure place to live, play, and learn. She has a track record of creating affordable opportunities for families to own their home in the District of Columbia. She created D.C. Open Doors, which provides financial assistance to those seeking to own their home, and the HomeSaver Program, which prevents homes from going into foreclosure. When elected, she will work to improve safe passage to and from school.

“Carisa is laser-focused on educational equity. She will work to enhance social-emotional supports, increase out-of-school time programming, and ensure all students are ready to enter into high-demand, well-paid careers. 

“Carisa will put ward five students and families first and fight for them daily. She is the ward five education champion we need in office.”

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.

President Biden Makes Historic Investments In Student Loan Forgiveness

For immediate release contact:

Joshua Hodge

jhodge@edreformnowdc.org

Washington, D.C. (August 25, 2022) –  Yesterday, President Joe Biden proposed historic investments in higher education as he is now set to cancel up to $10,000 in student debt for most public loan borrowers and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. “We want to thank President Joe Biden and his staff for prioritizing higher education affordability. As we look to recover from the effects of the pandemic and continue to build as a nation, this investment in higher education will help alleviate the great debt many former and current students are facing,” stated State Director Jessica Giles. 

“D.C. borrowers owe an average of $55,500, which is the highest in the country. Elected officials must hold colleges and universities accountable for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education to all students, including but not limited to ending the harmful legacy preference in the college admissions process and expanding dual enrollment opportunities for all students.” 

DFER D.C. Congratulates Rep. Oye Owolewa on Reelection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: 

Joshua Hodge

jhodge@dfer.org

WASHINGTON, DC (June 25, 2022) — Following the reported results for the U.S. Representative 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:

“We are proud to congratulate Representative Oye Owolewa on winning the D.C. Democratic Primary. Rep. Owolewa is a champion for D.C. statehood, a passionate advocate for our students and families, and a dedicated community servant. I am confident he will continue to fight for all of our civil rights and human rights.” 

Read DFER D.C.’s full endorsements of Rep. Owolewa 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. 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.

Statement from Democrats for Education Reform D.C. on the Final Budget Vote

CONTACT: Joshua Hodge

jhodge@dfer.org 

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.

DFER D.C. ENDORSES OYE OWOLEWA FOR U.S. SHADOW REPRESENTATIVE IN THE JUNE 21 PRIMARY

(Washington, DC) June 1, 2022 – Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) announced its endorsement of Oye Owolewa. He 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 D.C. State 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 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 here.

ERN DC Statement on the Tragic Events in Uvalde Texas

Joshua Hodge
jhodge@edreformnow.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2022) – Yesterday afternoon in Uvalde Texas, a gunman entered a local elementary school and took the lives of 19 students and two teachers. Education Reform Now D.C. released a statement in response:

“This tragedy is yet another grim reminder of the multiple heartbreaking acts of gun violence in schools, which have taken countless lives. Many of us remember the school shootings at Columbine High School, Virginia Tech University, Parkland High School, and Sandy Hook Elementary, but acts of violence such as these are no longer random isolated instances but are becoming the norm. This is the 27th school shooting this year,” said State Director of Education Reform Now D.C. Jessica Giles.

“All of our students and educators have a right to a safe learning and working environment, and our families have the right to send their students to school knowing they will be safe,” Giles said.

Giles continued, “We continue to mourn with the students, teachers, and families of the victims at Robb Elementary School.”