Honors Dr. Willie Jackson on His Retirement 

Washington, D.C. -- The D.C. State Board of Education (State Board) will hold its monthly public meeting on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The public meeting will be held in-person in the Old Council Chambers in the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building (441 4th Street NW), and streamed live via District Knowledge Network (DKN). Materials for the State Board meetings can be found on our website. 

The State Board will host an expert panel on healthy school facilities with a discussion centered on student and community voice. Panelists have been invited to share thoughts on the current state of school facilities and their impressions on how and what students would need to have a school facility that is safe, healthy, and educationally appropriate. Confirmed panelists include:  

• Jennifer Comey, Director of Planning and Analysis, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)? ? 
• Mary Filardo,?Executive Director, 21st Century School Fund ? 
• Rodney McDaniel,?Custodial Foreman, Powell Elementary School ? 

• Sophia Ibrahim, Student at Jackson-Reed High School, Student Advisory Committee Member? 

The State Board will recognize Dr. Willie Jackson on his retirement, after 31 years of service at the District of Columbia Public School system (DCPS). Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership, Ballou High School achieved a 14 percent increase in their graduation rate, $5.5 million in student scholarships, hundreds of students received career technical education certificates, and a school redesign which included advancements in technology and wellness programs. The State Board honors and commends Dr. Jackson for his dedication and leadership to the students at Ballou High School and the Ward 8 community.  

The State Board will recognize the importance of protecting and supporting LGBTQ+ youth by uplifting inclusive and welcoming spaces and promoting events such as Queer Prom, which aims to reframe a traditional rite of passage into one of empowerment, safety, and celebration for LGBTQ+ teenagers who are more likely to experience feelings of depression and isolation than their heteronormative peers.  

Following a closed session to discuss bylaws and priorities of the State Board's 2023 work, members will consider a vote on appointments for the Administrative Committee and an ad-hoc Bylaws Committee. If established, the proposed ad-hoc Bylaws Committee would serve to 1) revise current State Board bylaws—with engagement from the full Board—and 2) establish standard operating procedures to formalize routine processes and procedures for the State Board. 

Public Meeting Agenda

Please note that the agenda may be altered, modified, or updated without notice.

I. Call to Order

II. Announcement of a Quorum

III. Approval of the Agenda and Minutes

IV. Comments from the President of the D.C. State Board of Education

V. Comments from the State Superintendent of Education

VI. Healthy School Facilities Panel

        i. Jennifer Comey, Director of Planning and Analysis, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)

       ii. Mary Filardo, Executive Director, 21st Century School Fund

       iii. Rodney McDaniel, Custodial Foreman, Powell Elementary School

       iv. Sophia Ibrahim, Student at Jackson-Reed High School, Student Advisory Committee Member    

VII. Public Comment

         i.  Laura Fuchs? 

        ii. Scott Goldstein? 

       iii. Sherri Newsome? 

       iv. Jeanette Staton? 

        v. Written Testimony?? 

VIII. Administrative Items (VOTE)

        i. CR23-2, Honoring the Retirement and Leadership of Dr. Willie Jackson

       ii. CR23-3, On Supporting the Creation and Execution of a D.C. Queer Prom

       iii. SR23-1, Committee Appointments

IX. New Business

X. Adjournment

About the D.C. State Board of Education

The D.C. State Board of Education is an independent agency within the Government of the District of Columbia that advises the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the District’s state education agency. The State Board is made up of nine elected representatives, each representing their respective wards, with one member representing the District at large, and four appointed student representatives. The State Board approves statewide education policies and sets academic standards, while OSSE oversees education within the District and manages federal education funding. More information about the SBOE can be found at sboe.dc.gov.

The Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education serves as an external, impartial resource for current and prospective public-school students and their parents or guardians in the resolution of complaints and concerns regarding public education in a way that furthers the students’ best interest. The Ombudsman’s Office uses conflict resolution strategies, including coaching, facilitation, and mediation, to assist families and schools experiencing disagreement or conflict.

The Office of the Student Advocate supports students, parents, and families in their advocacy through parent education, one-on-one coaching, resource supports, and trainings in order to amplify the voices of families and communities in processes and decision-making; to provide avenues for access to resources and understanding systems; and to support power families and communities already possess. Contact the Office of the Student Advocate Monday through Friday at (202) 741-4692 for questions or support with charter and neighborhood schools.

Contact: Milayo Olufemi

202-710-4641

[email protected]