BASIS Expansion Proposal Suzanne Wells

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Thank you for the opportunity to testify this evening.  My name is Suzanne Wells, and I am a resident of Ward 6.

In making a decision on the BASIS expansion proposal, the PCSB has a responsibility not only to consider the merits of the school’s application, but also to consider the impact of the BASIS expansion proposal on surrounding elementary schools and the overall sustainability of the DC school system. The PCSB assessed the number of already approved charter school seats with the projected student population growth through 2030.  Based on updated population growth data, the PCSB has already approved charter school growth for more students than DC anticipates having over the next 10 years[1]. Approving another elementary school will only make this situation worse.  In short,  a new elementary school is not needed in DC. 

 

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Testimony submitted to Council on WTU Contract for 2023-2-1 Hearing

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We support the Council approving the negotiated WTU contract to better support their members- the DCPS teacher corps. ……..

For now, we stand by our memo of January 12th.  We do not believe that the retroactive funds in the WTU contract allocated specifically for DCPS teachers (as described in the contract) should be disbursed to the charter LEAs. UPSFF funds going forward for both sectors will be part of the FY24 budget discussions and will thus apply to all LEAs. 

Pay and benefits in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that cover 2019 through this year are for specific individuals and were negotiated by one of 69 LEAs - the publicly managed DCPS. Whatever you decide, it has to be specific to LEA, aligned with demonstrated facts on salary, raises, and existing resources as it is for DCPS, and by teacher not enrollment.  

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Mary Levy and Eboni Rose Thompson respond to Post Op Ed

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It has been said, “statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.” This perfectly describes the OpED Poor children are still left behind in DCPS schools” (December 8, 2019).  The authors suggest charters are winning the battle of closing the achievement gap for our children. What it conceals is significant omissions, exaggerations, and factual errors.

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Letter to the Editor by C4DC Member Venola M Rolle

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Ward 7 Education Council Member Venola Rolle commenting on the opening and closing of charter schools: “I am not a fan of charter schools by any stretch of the imagination, but I do believe that, if we have to endure them in the District, they ought to be of the order of this one Monument Academy— created to serve students the traditional public schools are unable to serve effectively. “

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