ANC 3/4G-05 Updates + DCPS Budget, 4/9/24
Good People of ANC 3/4G-05,
Our public schools are the lifeblood of our democracy and our communities. The Mayor is proposing to defund them. This impacts every school and every person in our city. Please do what you can to voice your opposition to these cuts.
Here are a couple ways you can support fully funded schools:
Attend the Ward 3 Education Network meeting tonight with Deputy Mayor of Education Paul Kihn. He and Chancellor Ferebee are appointed by the mayor to run DCPS. He will speak about the proposed budget. Register in advance for this meeting here to get a Zoom link.
Join over 1,000 residents in signing this city wide petition authored by myself and Ward 3 Democrat & DCPS mother, Elizabeth Mitchell.
Submit your own written testimony about the budget before April 18 at 5pm.
Listen to just about any portion of the 11+ hours of live testimony of parents, teachers, and kids pleading that the city not cut school budgets. Amplify their messages.
Check in with the teachers in your family's life. Ask them what they're dealing with and see how you can help. This budget will further compound the ongoing teacher retention crisis.
Look over the proposed DCPS budget. The following letter and overview of cuts was sent to Chairman Mendelson. I'm reminded of a theory that if an at-risk child has just one person in school they connect with their chances for success are significantly higher. 242 teachers, 136 social emotional positions, 75 special ed positions, and a total of 947 staff may not be around next year to help those kids who need it most.
Contact Councilmember Frumin and your at-large councilmembers about the budget. Let them know you support fully funded public schools.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Other ANC News:
The people at Goods for Good do so much good work. Please fill out their Interest Survey if you would like to help them.
One of my favorite community events happens at Wesley United Methodist Church on Connecticut Ave. on the 4th weekend of the month. Check it out: Jazz at Wesley.
Congratulations to the Undesign the Redline team. Their exhibit on racial disparities in urban planning has started and the exhibits' Opening Reception is on April 11. In addition to their exhibit, they've planned robust complementary programs. Review the schedule here.
Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George put out a helpful collection of DC Opportunities and Outlets/Resources. Take a look and let this city work for you.
The League of Women Voters in DC and around the country tirelessly advocate for voting rights. Please sign their DC Statehood Petition.
ANC 3/4G meets in a special session on Thursday to hear about the proposed zoning changes to the Connecticut Ave. corridor.
Commissioner Sherman has been focused on artificial turf. Check out the links to his meetings on the subject here: Is Artificial Turf Safe for Our Kids and Our Environment. The video recording of the meeting, presentation materials, and a summary of topics addressed are available at https://bruceshermanforanc.org.
Thank you, keep in touch, and let us know if there is anything the ANC can do to better serve you.
Peter