CHPSPO Meeting Notes– February 20, 2018

Stuart Hobson Middle School, 410 E St., NE
February 20, 2018, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Mission Statement – To promote cooperation among the parent organizations of the public schools [in Ward 6] in order to improve the education received by all children attending our schools.

Overview of the DC Council Performance Oversight and Budget Hearings –

Laura Marks, Chief of Staff, Councilmember Allen and Anne Phelps Budget Counsel at Office of Budget Director shared a presentation with key budget facts, timeline, and key advocacy opportunities/dates. Please review the FY19 Education Budget Process – CHPSPO Presentation for details.

About the budget: Important to note, the budget is a finite amount. Operating budget (recurring costs like payroll, goods, services) is planned for 4 years (must be sustained for 4 years). Capital budget (one-time, more limited spending like facilities) is allocated annually.

About education budget: Enrollment projections have huge impact on school level budgets

• Really important to get these #s right, but they are often off
• Per Pupil Funding applies to DCPS and charter; also takes into account special needs

Education is underfunded. For example, for FY18’s budget OSSE recommended 3.5% increase for FY18. The Mayor’s budget office proposed 1.5%, Council passed 3%. ***If PPF increase this year is <3%, will be tough to fund operating budget; keep programming***

It’s important to engage in Budget forums and hearings not only to bring visibility to specific issues, but to learn about other priorities. When testifying, bring written copies: Councilmembers and staff write notes/qs on testimony.

Ward 6 School Facilities Tour – Joe Weedon, State Board of Education

Joe Weedon to organize on behalf of PTAs a tour of schools to identify potential problems and critical things that need to be implemented between now and when schools are slated to be renovated.

CHPSPO Strategic Planning Meeting – Danica Petroshius and Suzy Glucksman

To enhance our efforts to develop common goals, facilitate collaboration, and drive real change among public schools in Ward 6, to improve the education received by all children, the Capitol Hill Public Schools Parent Organization (CHPSPO) is engaging the DC education community in a strategic planning process.

All CHPSPO members, as well as families, principals, and engaged community members are invited to participate in this strategic planning (working) meeting where we plan to develop long-term and short-term priorities for our work supporting Ward 6 schools.

https://chpspo.org/2018/02/13/join-chpspos-strategic-planning-feb-24/

Bike-to-School Day Planning – Sandra Moscoso-Mills

Bike to School Day is Weds, May 9. CHPSPO organizes a ‘party’ at Lincoln Park, where families from all nearby schools meetup, socialize, grab a snack, engage in activities, and join bike trains and walking groups to get to school ON TIME! Learn about the national efforts at http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/.

Please reach out to Sandra to if you’re interested in helping identify local and national speakers, organize activities, invite city partners (DC Water, DCPS, WABA, bike shops, etc), and help get the word out at your school.

• JO Wilson Cheerleaders to perform

Chancellor’s Parent Cabinet – Heather Schoell

Meet periodically and have broken out into issue-based groups of Middle School, Budget, College and Career. DCPS central offers a lot of programming, but not doing a good job communicating to families.

Find background and meeting notes, here: https://dcps.dc.gov/page/chancellor%E2%80%99s-parent-cabinet-sy-2017-2018-cabinet-priorities-and-updates

Other advisory committees shared by the group include

• Global education advisory group (both Heather Schoell (Eliot-Hine and Eastern parent) and Stefany Thangavelu (Maury parent) serve on Global Ed Advisory Group)
• Public Spaces advisory group

More on Boards and Commissions: https://mota.dc.gov/page/boards-commissions-and-task-forces-district-government

New Chancellor – Group Discussion

Ideas for engaging raised: engage in process for finding replacement; relay shortcomings from last experience; Are there changes we should push for vis a vis governance, particularly regarding the role of the State Board of Education.

ACTION: Draft letter to Mayor articulating issues raised during meeting.

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Next CHPSPO Meeting: March 20, 2018

Upcoming Events

DC Council Performance Oversight and Budget Hearings

• Wednesday, February 21, DCPS Performance Oversight Hearing, public witnesses, 10 am (Wilson Building)
• Wednesday, March 28, DCPS Budget Hearing, public witnesses, 10 am (Wilson Building)
• Thursday, April 19, DCPS Budget Hearing, public witnesses (Wilson Building)

Cross Sector Collaboration Task Force Focus Groups

• Tuesday, March 13, 6 – 7:30 pm, Columbia Heights Educational Campus (3101 16th St., NW)
• Wednesday, March 21, 7 – 8:30 pm, Thurgood Marshall PCS (2427 Martin Luther King Ave., SE)

CHPSPO Strategic Planning Meeting – Saturday, February 24, 9:30 am – 1 pm, Northeast Library (7th & Maryland Avenue, NE)