Mayor Vincent Gray joined the CHPSPO community and others in an informal discussion on Ward 6 education issues. Adam Clampitt kicked off the event, introducing the Mayor and Suzanne Wells. CHPSPO’s Suzanne Wells briefed the Mayor and participants on CHPSPO’s role in the Ward 6 Middle School plan. Mayor Gray delivered remarks and shared education plans including expanding the measure of excellence beyond standardized testing, offering education to infants and toddlers, providing in-school special education resources, and commitment to education facilities improvements. Deputy Mayor of Education, De’Shawn A. Wright and Acting State Superintendent, Hosana Mahaley Johnson also addressed the group.
The discussion then turned to Q&A, with questions and requests for support around:
- communicating and spreading the word about the good things that are happening within DC Public Schools
- the implementation of the Ward 6 middle school plan
- concerns about the adequacy of facility improvements for schools receiving phased renovations instead of full school renovations
- holding charter schools to the same standards as public schools regarding provision of services to children with special needs
- support for the reconstitution and strengthening of Amidon-Bowen elementary school
- rigor around education through middle school
- a solution to save the Capitol Hill Classic
- a request to revisit the no distance preference policy around Logan
- setting a tone around culture for middle schools (specifically, Jefferson)
The event and discussion will be televised via the DC Office of Cable Television.
Thank you to Mayor Gray for spending the time with our community and to participants for contributing to the discussion and advocating for our schools.
Ward 6 Public School Parents Organization 