Dear W6PSPO Community,

We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18 at 7 pm via Zoom (Register/Join here). 

We will primarily be discussing the $1B cut to DC’s current FY year budget, actions taken by leaders/residents and how you can help, and FY26’s budget.

Our guests will be :

• Anjali Zielinski – Free DC, Ward 6 Representative
• Brandon Best – Ward 6 Representative on DC State Board of Education
• Bijan Verlin – Legislative Policy Advisor, DC Council, Committee of the Whole

Updates and Reminders:

1. Cuts to CURRENT FY’s Budget Across DC, which will heavily impact Schools

From Ward 6 CM Charles Allen: “With the passage of the continuing resolution by both chambers, $1.1 billion in local tax dollars have been cut from DC’s current year budget. A path remains to right this injustice, and the House must now act to pass Sen. Collins’ bill.” This may not happen for weeks, as the House is in recess, so DC government is taking steps to make immediate cuts to spending (hopefully temporary). Here’s a quick explanation from CM Allen. 

Related: Thank you to CHCS parents for leading the effort to send a letter to every Senator on behalf of DC school communities and PTOs, asking US Senators to take action to restore the ability for DC to spend our own local tax dollars and continue to fund essential city services like schools, police and firefighters.

2. Capitol Hill Community Foundation Spring Grants – The Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s spring grant deadline is March 31.  The CHCF has been incredibly generous to our schools, and awards grants up $3,000.  You can apply for a spring grant here.

3. Abrasom Scholarship – The Abramson Scholarship Foundation is currently accepting applications for their 2025 scholar program from students graduating from high school in June 2025. The application closes April 1. The Abramson Scholar program is a comprehensive support system for scholars throughout their college journey. In addition to financial assistance, scholars benefit from personalized mentoring, ongoing community engagement, and programs that address academic, professional, social/emotional, and financial goals.  Scholars receive $14,000 over four years.  Interested students can access the application here.  Please share the attached flyer with interested students.

4. Bike and Roll to School Day – Registration for National Bike & Roll to School Day opens on Tuesday, March 4. W6PSPO will host our annual event at Lincoln Park on May 7, 2025. If you’d like to help organize (it’s FUN!) your school has a student performance you’d like to have at Bike & Roll to School Day, please reach out to us via email.