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.

‘A Punch To The Gut:’ What SCOTUS’ Student Loan Decision Means To D.C.-Area Borrowers - DCist

When Cesar Toledo learned that most of his student loan debt might be forgiven last year, he “felt like a weight lifted from my shoulders.”

Toledo had $25,000 in student loan debts. Under President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, he would have had $20,000 of those debts forgiven. He and his partner began talking about buying a home and adopting children.

But those plans were upended when the Supreme Court struck down the program in late June. Now, he and millions of other borrowers will need to start repaying those loans in October, and student loan interest will resume Sept. 1.

“It feels like a punch to the gut,” Toledo told DCist/WAMU. “My partner and I now have to push back some major life decisions because of this crippling debt that we both are strapped to.”

Toledo, who is in his early 30s, is uncertain of how exactly to move forward. He estimates that it would take about 10 years to pay off his debt if he stays in the region.

Cesar Toledo and his partner started planning to buy a home and adopt children after Biden announced his student loan forgiveness program last year.Cesar Toledo

Toledo is especially attuned to education policy issues; he is the Deputy Director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. His organization wants to see local government step up and expand programs to help lower student debt, and they hope the D.C. Council and mayor will take action.

The D.C. area has some of the highest student debt burdens in the country. Many residents are recent college graduates, and borrowers are further hampered by the area’s steep cost of living.

For some residents, Biden’s student loan forgiveness program left them more or less debt free. The program canceled up to $20,000 of federal student loans.

Many, like Toledo, were suddenly in the position to consider homeownership sooner. One resident told DCist/WAMU last year that he bought his first car because of the news.

(read more)

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.”

###

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.

Testimony for B25-0069

Jessica Giles
Executive Director
Education Reform Now Advocacy

The Committee on Public Works & Operations Public Hearing on:

B25-0069 – “District of Columbia Public Schools Procurement Authority Amendment Act of 2023″

Good morning, Chairperson Nadeau, members and staff of the Committee on Public Works & Operations. My name is Jessica Giles. I am a ward seven resident and the Executive Director of Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA). ERNA is fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. Although we understand the intent of this legislation, we oppose B25-0069, the “District of Columbia Public Schools Procurement Authority Amendment Act of 2023.″

Repealing D.C. Public Schools’ (DCPS) independent procurement authority would create a bureaucratic nightmare and lead to extensive delays in providing critical goods, services, and resources to our students. DCPS is the largest local education agency (LEA) in the District, and moving its massive procurement needs under an already bloated agency would slow procurement down. In the past, when DCPS was forced to outsource approval of contracts, school openings were delayed, and urgent repairs went unfixed.¹ We don’t want to go back to the days when teachers didn’t have books, paper, or pencils in their classrooms. Those were tough days and led to the critical reforms we have now that have yielded progress in students’ academic achievement.

Clearly, DCPS has not complied with the law that requires D.C. agencies to submit contracts valued at $1 million or more to the D.C. Council for approval before being awarded to vendors. DCPS must take immediate corrective action to put accountability measures in place. And, the D.C. Council should continue to provide oversight of this process.

Every LEA has its own independent procurement authority, and DCPS should not be treated differently. If anything, DCPS principals should be given more autonomy to provide their students with the resources and services they need, not be mired down in additional red tape.

For these reasons, we strongly oppose B25-0069, the “District of Columbia Public Schools Procurement Authority Amendment Act of 2023″ and ask that the Committee reconsider this legislation. Thank you for letting me submit written testimony.

###

¹Children in Crisis: The Failure of Public Education in the District. District of Columbia Financial
Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. November 12, 1996.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/longterm/library/dc/control/part1.htm

Teacher Compensation a Key Element of D.C. Council Budget Deliberations - Washington Informer

Other speakers at the “Stop the Change” Rally included D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), SBOE Representative Brandon Best (Ward 6), parent Latiya Loring and Jessica Giles, executive director of Educator Reform Now D.C. 

The rally took place weeks after charter sector leaders pushed back against Bowser’s budget proposal, which only provided matching Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) contract funds to public charter schools applying for grants requiring the online release of teacher salary and retention data. 

(read more)

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.

Educators, parents rally for DC charter school funding - DC News Now

“We want to make sure that there is a change that happens now. We want to make sure there is a closing of the gap we are seeing in the funding. We want to make sure that we acknowledge and appreciate the hard work that our educators put in every day for our students,” said Jessica Giles, the Executive Director of Education Reform Now DC.

The “Stop The Shortchange Rally” took place on the steps of the Wilson Building and the rally came ahead of the Council’s important first vote on the budget scheduled for May 16

(read more)

Letter To The Editor: All Bison Are Part Of The Herd - The Hilltop

When students are asked why they chose Howard University or an HBCU, they often say they want a sense of community with students who look like them and have similar experiences. But does that guarantee that they will have the same experience? As someone who was raised by a 20-year-old single mom who was simultaneously putting herself through college, I had a hard time adjusting to Howard. There is a vast difference between the journey to Howard for first-generation college students and students whose families have historically attended the Mecca. 

I was surprised to learn that Howard utilizes a legacy preference. A legacy preference, also known as legacy admissions, provides an advantage during the college admissions process to applicants with family members who previously attended or work at the higher education institution. Nearly 1 out of 4 students in the freshman class of 2019 were legacy students. 

(read more)

Testimony for April DC State Board of Education Public Meeting

Public Meeting

Jessica Giles
Executive Director
Education Reform Now D.C.

Greetings Executive Director Butler, Representatives, Student Representatives, and D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE) staff. My name is Jessica Giles. I am a ward seven resident and the Executive Director of Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN DC). ERN D.C. is a non-profit organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. 

Thank you to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and SBOE for holding many opportunities for the public to engage in the revision of the Social Studies Standards. In February, ERN DC submitted public comment to the OSSE and public testimony to the SBOE recommending essential changes that are needed to the Social Studies Standards. Several of our recommendations were accepted, including providing more clarity on how teachers implement the Social Studies standards in practice, diversifying the list of feminist scholars and thought leaders, and addressing the role that enslaving Black people played in the development of the District’s institutions. We hope OSSE and SBOE move swiftly to approve these standards. 

Additionally, I would like the State Board and the State Level and Systemic Policy Committee, in particular, to focus on two additional vital topics this year.

*** MAKE EXPANDING DUAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES A TOP PRIORITY ***

The Need: 51 percent of students enroll in a two or four-year college. However, only 8 out of 100 9th-grade students will complete a postsecondary degree within six  years of high school graduation. 58 percent of D.C.’s job market requires a postsecondary degree, yet only 26 percent of D.C. residents aged 18 to 34 who were born here have a postsecondary degree, compared to 70 percent of those who moved here. Dual enrollment has a significant effect on 2-year and 4-year college enrollment, degree attainment, and early labor market earnings six years after high school, with stronger effects for students who are traditionally underrepresented. 

About Dual Enrollment: An estimated 10% of the student population uses dual enrollment opportunities. It needs to be clarified what percentage of students receive college credit. Bard High School Early College provides 377 students with an opportunity to graduate high school with an associate’s degree. In the fall of 2022, the Mayor’s office launched the Advanced Technical Center, which offers nearly 100 students the opportunity to take up to 20 college courses free of charge in cybersecurity, general nursing, and health information technology over a two-year period. In addition, over 450 students are taking dual enrollment courses at local Institutions of Higher Education (IHE). Many of these students have to take the course virtually or attend the course in person at the IHEs, which is time-consuming. Please note: the location of some LEAs and bus schedules can make it quite impossible for some students to participate meaningfully in in-person dual enrollment courses. Additionally, the difficulties that students face enduring long commutes to and from their classes create significant barriers to access, especially for students with the least financial means who are also least likely to attend school near colleges or universities that offer in-person dual enrollment. Further, three charter LEAs and 9 D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) schools do not offer any dual enrollment opportunities at all. 

In March 2022, the Deputy Mayor for Education partnered with the College in High School Alliance to develop a District of Columbia Dual Enrollment Needs Assessment Action Plan. Recommendations from this action plan are listed below:

• Engage in a Process to Understand DC Student & Parent Perspectives on Dual Enrollment

• Develop a Comprehensive Dual Enrollment Ecosystem Map for DC

• Continue to Build DC Dual Enrollment Data Availability & Tools For Use

• Formalize and Expand OSSE’s Dual Enrollment Community of Practice

• Consider Alternative Program Models and State Funding Mechanisms for Dual Enrollment

• Expand Dual Enrollment Course Options and Dual Crediting of Class Experiences

• Provide Tools and Resources to School Counselors & Other Dual Enrollment Practitioners

• Develop a Student, Parent, and Caregiver Friendly Web Portal for DC Dual Enrollment

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education deserves some credit for progress made on understanding student and parent perspectives regarding dual enrollment and increasing the number of seats offered, but the Mayor’s proposed FY2024 budget includes no additional investments in dual enrollment opportunities and we are already behind on the timeline for completing the recommendations. 

Furthermore, there are two important issues I would like the Committee to pay special attention to:

• The need for expanding in-person cohort-based dual enrollment courses in the District. A successful example includes the Bard Sequence, which is currently offered at Idea Public Charter School and Thurgood Marshall Public Charter School.

• Students must have more opportunities to receive high school credit for their college courses. DC is an outlier in this regard, and it is incredibly inefficient. 

*** MAKE CREATING THE FINANCIAL LITERACY STANDARDS A TOP PRIORITY ***

The Need: Currently, D.C. does not require students to learn personal financial literacy skills, and too few schools offer it. Financial literacy concepts such as earning income, spending, saving, investing, managing credit, and managing risk are all information that D.C’s students must learn to succeed in school, life, and career.

Additionally, students need to learn how to become an entrepreneur, better understand career paths, and labor market opportunities during the “income” segment. 

The Colorado Department of Education summarizes personal financial literacy as the following “[it] applies the economic way of thinking to help individuals understand how to manage their scarce resources using a logical decision-making process of prioritization based on analysis of the costs and benefits of every choice.” Currently, ten states offer financial literacy as a part of the social studies standards. While OSSE is not revising the social studies standards to include additional financial literacy standards, OSSE should develop and adopt standalone financial literacy standards as soon as possible. We urge OSSE and SBOE to prioritize these two issues this year. 

Thank you for allowing me to testify today.

Comings & Goings - Washington Blade

Congratulations to Cesar Toledo on being named deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) and its affiliate nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC). Toledo said, “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. 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.” 

(read more)

ERN Testifies in Support of Behavioral Health Services and Dual Enrollment

DC Council, Committee of the Whole
Budget Oversight Hearing

Joshua Davis
Student Civic Leader
Bard High School Early College DC

Good afternoon Chairman Mendelson and members of the Committee of the Whole. My name is Joshua Davis, and I am a senior at Bard High School Early College DC and a civic leader for Education Reform Now DC. Today, I am here to speak about two critical issues pertinent to this year’s budget: school based behavior health and dual enrollment.

Firstly, I want to commend Bard for its commitment to students’ mental health. During my freshman year, I struggled with anxiety that stemmed from the pressure to succeed academically. This anxiety negatively impacted my grades and overall well-being. Thankfully, Bard’s resources, including counseling sessions with a school-based mental health professional, allowed me to access the support I needed to overcome that anxiety. This experience has empowered me to speak before you today.

You all have been witness to the countless stories recounted by my peers and other advocates regarding the mental health challenges students face. The connection between trauma and the cycles of violence in DC is clear, and mental health services are a key component for addressing these issues. To ensure that all students have the support they need today, we must start by increasing funding for school-based behavioral health services to $3.45M in the FY24 budget. This will ensure that schools can provide at least one clinician in every public school to support all of my peers.

Additionally, DC must create opportunities for students to earn a degree in fields such as psychology, social work, or human services. It’s time we create a local pipeline of future social workers, counselors, and psychologists by creating a Master of Social Work program at UDC and providing scholarships to make the MSW and Master of Counseling programs free for DC residents and those who work in DC. I urge the committee to hold a hearing on the  “Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023.”

Secondly, I want to touch on dual enrollment. It is concerning that only 8 out of 100 students in DC will go on to complete postsecondary education within six years after high school.[1] Research shows that students participating in dual enrollment programs are more likely to enroll in and complete college.[2] Bard has been around since 2018 and partners with several local colleges and universities, including George Washington University and Georgetown University, to allow credits to transfer in various subjects. I will graduate with an associates degree. As a dual enrollment program participant, I have gained invaluable experience and confidence in my ability to succeed in higher education. We have the data, the stories, and the resources, there is no reason why every student in DC should not have that same opportunity.

In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of mental health and dual enrollment and how Bard High School has been leading in addressing these issues. I strongly urge the DC Council to increase funding to ensure every school has one clinician and for the Committee of the Whole to hold a hearing on B25-0055, “Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023.”  Thank you for your time and attention.

ERN DC Advocates for Mental Health Services in DC Schools

DC Council, Committee of the Whole
Budget Oversight Hearing

Sherri Daniels
Civic Leader
Education Reform Now DC

Honorable Chairman Mendelson and esteemed members of the Committee of the Whole, greetings. My name is Sherri Daniels, I am a proud resident of Ward 8 with a masters degree in psychology, a community caseworker, and a prominent civic leader for Education Reform Now DC. Today, I speak before you as someone who has experienced firsthand the critical importance of mental health services in our schools. As a DC native, my own journey to receiving mental health support began in high school, much like the students I serve today.

Growing up in the District, I experienced the adversities of becoming aware of and accessing the mental health services I desperately needed. It wasn’t until high school that I was introduced to a school clinician who, despite being overburdened and burnt out, inspired me to become a psychologist. This personal encounter underscored a persistent issue in our schools: the overwhelming workload placed on a single clinician is simply too much work for one person to manage effectively.

The connection between trauma and student engagement in DC highlights the importance of school-based behavioral health (SBBH) services for improving academic performance and overall well-being. However, the 2022 DC Health Matters assessment emphasizes the urgent need for workforce development, with a 21% average vacancy rate among DC Behavioral Health Association member organizations.

To address vacancy issues and our urgent need for workforce development, I implore the Committee of the Whole to take the following actions:

1. Increase funding for school-based behavioral health services to $3.45 million to ensure stable compensation per clinician.
2. Convene a hearing on B25-55, the “Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023.”

This bill will lower the financial barrier for people of color to enter a field that requires more clinicians with cultural competency. A 2020 report found that 22% of new social workers were Black/African American, and 14% were Hispanic/Latino.  Additionally, a 2016 community needs assessment conducted by the District of Columbia Healthy Communities Collaborative identified cultural competency as a priority need, for behavioral health specialists working with children in Wards 7 and 8.  Holding a public hearing would be a step in the right direction to address the District’s long-term
issues.

Our children’s mental health is a critical component of their overall well-being and academic success. By investing in the school based behavior health and supporting initiatives like the :Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023,” we can create a brighter future for every student in the District.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Newsletter: Jobs Report - Politico Influence

Cesar Toledo will be deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. He previously was political director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

(read more)

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.

Playbook: First In Playbook - Politico

Cesar Toledo will be deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. He previously was political director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

(read more)

ERN DC Testimony on the Mayor’s FY 2024 Budget Proposal

Jessica Giles
Executive Director
Education Reform Now D.C.

Committee of the Whole Budget Oversight Hearing:

● District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)
● Office of the State Superintendent of Education
● Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education
● District of Columbia Public Charter School Board
● D.C. State Board of Education
● Office of the Student Advocate
● Ombudsman for Education

Good morning Chairman Mendelson, members and staff of the Committee of the Whole. My name is Jessica Giles. I am a ward seven resident and the Executive Director of Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C.). ERN D.C. is a non-profit organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C.

The Mayor’s FY 2024 proposed budget prioritizes public education, making it the second largest investment in local operating funds to a tune of nearly $4 billion. There are several investments that we urge the D.C. Council to maintain:

● 5.05% increase to the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF) allows for a foundation level of $13,046 per student.
● 3.1% multi-year facilities allotment increase to provide charter schools with educationally appropriate buildings.
● $8M to sustain a multi-year investment in high-impact tutoring, an intervention that can produce dramatic gains in student learning.
● $9M for the Safe Passage Safe Blocks program. With gun violence at an all-time high, it is essential for the District to invest in strategies that will keep our school communities safe.
● A continued investment in restorative justice to allow for restoration, healing, and prevention when harm is caused.
● $17 million investments in Out of School (OST) Time programming to provide fun, safe, and enriching programs for our students, along with $5 million for My After School, $2.5 million for students with disabilities to more fully participate in OST, and $3.4 million for summer activities.
● $1.6M one-time funding to launch DC’s Education to Employment data project to help the District better understand how education programming sets DC students up for career success and ensures continuous career improvement.

Additionally, we would like to highlight three areas of concern:

I. Public charter schools will receive $187 million less than DCPS

DCPS and public charter schools must receive equal funding to provide all of our students with excellent services and support and attract and retain highly effective and diverse educators and school staff. However:

a. $39 million in proposed funding is directed to support DCPS outside of the per funding formula (ex. DCPS stabilization funding, Early Stages funding, and IMPACT bonuses). According to a recent poll, D.C. voters overwhelmingly support (71%) D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools receiving equal funding to support their students. See our press release  and poll here. 

b. $207 million will go to the Washington Teachers Union for their teachers, social workers, therapists, coaches, and other school personnel compared to the $59 million for the public charter school sector for teachers only. 431 (and counting) D.C. residents signed our petition  urging the Mayor and DC Council to provide an equivalent payment to public charter school educators for retropay and forward pay and for future salary increases to be sent to all public schools through the per-student funding formula.

When DCPS and the public charter sector are funded unequally, it sends a troubling message that our DCPS students matter more than our charter students. This funding
inequity is wrong, and the DC Council must make this right, including by ensuring payments are flexible and granted quickly and that future salary increases across both sectors are
reflected in the UPSFF.

II. No increase in investment in structured literacy training

Students have a right to read and we must set the expectation that all students will learn to read well and on grade level regardless of where in the city they live, what school they attend, and their ability or language-learning status. The reality, however, is that the percentage of students in the District of Columbia who performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level was only 26 percent in 2022.  This percentage was smaller than that in 2019 (30 percent) and was greater than that in 1998 (10 percent)  . Black and Hispanic students are 69 and 60 points lower than white students, respectively.  The percentage of students in District of Columbia who performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level was 22 percent in 2022.  This percentage was not significantly different from that in 2019 (23 percent) and was greater than that in 1998 (11 percent).

We know the science of reading can help make a significant difference in the lives of our students. Currently, OSSE is slated to spend nearly $20M in federal funding on literacy investments between fiscal year 2022-2024. The Mayor allocated $1 million to provide 530 teachers in DCPS and public charter schools with structured literacy training for an additional 1,500 spots. While we appreciate the investment, there are two concerns:

a. If we continue to go at this incredibly slow pace, it will take several years for the District to ensure all elementary school educators receive this critical training. We urge the Committee of the Whole to ask OSSE when does it expect all elementary school teachers will receive structured literacy training?
b. Literacy innovation is funded solely by federal dollars. What happens when this funding is no longer available?

We encourage the D.C. Council to set aside funds to ensure that the District’s commitment to providing all educators with structured literacy training does not falter.

III. No increase in investment in dual enrollment

Every student must graduate from high school and receives a high-quality, affordable college education or the work-based experience and credentials necessary to immediately earn a livable wage. The reality is 51% of students enroll into a two or four-year college. 35% of students with disabilities, 33% of ELL, 35% of students designated as At-Risk. 910 8 out of 100 9th grade students in SY 2011-12 completed an associates or bachelors degree by 2022. 11 OSSE not disaggregated this information.

Dual enrollment has a significant effect on 2-year and 4-year college enrollment, degree attainment, and early labor market earnings 6 years after high school, with stronger effects for students who are traditionally underrepresented.  The DC Council can help ensure students in every high school receive dual enrollment opportunities who want them by expanding the Bard Sequence in the District. The Bard Sequence allows students to earn transferable college credits across a variety of courses taught by college faculty trained in early college pedagogy at the high school. Currently, two high schools offer this to their students, and we could expand it to more school campuses. The District must guarantee families an affordable and high-quality pathway to a college degree for every student who wants one.

Thank you for allowing me to testify.

Barrie’s Testimony for DBH Budget Oversight Hearing

Rabiatu E Barrie, PhD
Civic Leader
Education Reform Now DC

Chairperson Christina Henderson and Committee on Health Members,

I am Dr. Rabiatu Barrie, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, and a civic leader for Education Reform Now DC. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. In this testimony, I will present actionable steps to enhance mental health services in DC Public Schools, supporting the overall well-being and success of our students.

Our primary asks are:

1. Ensure stable compensation per clinician in FY 2024
2. Ask the Committee of the Whole to hold a public hearing on the B25- 0055, the “Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023.”

We propose the following solution:
Increase funding for school-based behavioral health services to $5.7 million for FY 2024 to ensure stable compensation per clinician
The FY 2023 budget allotted $80,000 per clinician per school to place a community-based organization (CBO) clinician in each of DC’s 253 public schools. Due to staffing cost increases, DBH increased funds for CBOs by over 40%, to $99,000 per clinician per school in December 2022. However, CBOs are still facing challenges in recruiting and retaining clinicians due to a shortage of behavioral health care professionals in the District. We applaud DBH’s efforts and urge them to invest at least $5.7 million in the SBBH program to ensure stable compensation for partnering CBOs in fiscal year (FY) 2024.

We also recommend the following:

1. Ask the Committee of the Whole to hold a public hearing on the B25-0055, the “Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023.”

Community members and clinicians have been discussing this bill and believe that it is time to take action. Holding a hearing would be a step in the right direction to address the District’s long-term goals. Holding a public hearing will increase awareness of the proposed legislation among the general public and stakeholders, allow for a comprehensive discussion of these provisions, ensuring they are well-designed and effective in attracting and retaining students in this field, and help to ensure that mental health professionals better reflect the communities they serve.

By implementing these measures, the DC Council will send a strong message about its dedication to promoting mental and behavioral health in schools.

In conclusion, investing in school-based mental health services is vital for the well-being and success of our students. The proposed solution, supported by the DC Council’s commitment, can make a lasting positive impact on the lives of countless children and adolescents in the District of Columbia.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

DC Council, Committee on Health Budget Oversight Hearing

Minetre Martin
Organizing Manager
Education Reform Now DC

Chairperson Christina Henderson and Committee on Health Members,

My name is Minetre Martin, I have a bachelor of science in psychology, I am a former classroom teacher, a Ward 4 resident, and Organizing Manager for Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC). ERN DC is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, DC. Today, I am testifying to advocate for improved behavioral health resources in schools.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), in Washington, DC, suicide is among the leading causes of death for youth ages 10-24,[1]predominantly affecting Black youth.[2]

To put more detailed data into perspective, Let’s take a moment to imagine a classroom of 25 high school students in Washington, D.C. Among these students,

1. About 13-14 of them, which is more than half of the classroom, would have experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness or seriously considered attempting suicide, according to a recent survey.[3]

2. Approximately 2 students in this classroom would have witnessed or experienced violence, reflecting the 7.4% rate in DC, which is nearly double the national average of 3.8%.[4]
3. If the students come from low-income households, the number of those who have witnessed or experienced violence would increase to around 3-4 students, reflecting the 14% rate, more than twice the national average of 6.8%.[5]
4. Among LGBTQ+ students they would have twice the likelihood of reported suicidal thoughts, compared to heterosexual students, showing that LGBTQ+ youth are at a significantly higher risk.[6]

Alarmingly, one of those students could be your child, your child’s friend, your neighbor, or in my case, a former student.

These numbers demand that we prioritize the emotional and mental well-being of our children. Our youth face challenges deeply rooted in their development, and childhood trauma can profoundly impact their growth into adulthood. Yet, we are shocked that only 8 out of 100 9th graders in DC will complete postsecondary education within six years after high school.[7]

According to the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) school-based behavioral health services have the highest utilization with 26,681 individuals served. We applaud the Mayor for not cutting school-based behavioral health services during a fiscally challenging year. However, the Mayor only proposed a $113,000 increase, which we know is not sufficient to meet the needs of all of our students. What is the
strategy for improving the pipeline of clinicians?

To improve mental health support in our schools, I ask this committee to consider the following budget
request and suggestions:

Increase funding for school-based behavioral health services to $5.7 million for FY 2024 to ensure stable compensation per clinician

The FY 2023 budget allotted $80,000 per clinician per school to place a community-based organization (CBO) clinician in each of DC’s 253 public schools. Due to staffing cost increases, DBH increased funds for CBOs by over 40%, to $99,000 per clinician per school in December 2022. However, CBOs are still facing challenges in recruiting and retaining clinicians due to a shortage of behavioral health care professionals in the District. We applaud DBH’s efforts and urge them to invest at least $5.7 million in the SBBH program to ensure stable compensation for partnering CBOs in fiscal year (FY) 2024.

We also recommend the following:

1. Ask the Committee of the Whole to hold a public hearing on the B25-0055, the “Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act of 2023.”

Community members have been discussing this bill and believe that it is time to take action. Holding a hearing would be a step in the right direction to address the District’s long-term goals. Holding a public hearing will increase awareness of the proposed legislation among the general public and stakeholders, allow for a comprehensive discussion of these provisions, ensuring they are well-designed and effective in attracting and retaining students in this field, and help to ensure that mental health professionals better reflect the communities they serve.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[1]American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2021). District of Columbia: Suicide and mental health fact sheet.
[2]American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (2022). AACAP Policy Statement: Increased suicide among Black youth
in the United States.
[3]Office of the State Superintendent of Education. (2019). 2019 District of Columbia Youth Risk Behavior Survey: High School
and Middle School Reports. Retrieved from https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/2019%20DC%20YRBS%20Report.pdf
[4]Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative. 2020-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data query. Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). Retrieved January 8, 2023, from https://www.childhealthdata.org/browse/survey/results?q=9535&r=10
[5] Ibid
[6] Suicide risk among LGBTQIA students in Washington D.C.: Office of the State Superintendent of Education. (2019). LGBTQ Student Report. Retrieved from https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/page_content/attachments/LGBTQ%20Student%20Report%20FINAL.pdf
[7]DC Policy Center. (2022, October 27). Schools 2021-2022: How DC students, teachers, and parents are faring. Retrieved from https://www.dcpolicycenter.org/publications/schools-21-22/

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.

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