Council Public Education Oversight Hearing

I appreciate the opportunity to testify. 

I want to acknowledge the good work on the Advanced Technical Center especially the planned opening of the Ward 8 center in partnership with Whitman Walker.  This is an example where the DME and OSSE have come together to expand opportunities for young people and also support a community. 

At the same time as the Career and Technical Education programming has expanded with grant money and public money the State Board of Education is working on a revision to the Graduation Requirements.  The SBOE task force that is meeting is working with the need to balance a strong academic foundation with the emphasis on exposure and readiness to the workplace.  It is a strong advisory group and the elected SBOE members are working toward recommendations which will go to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education OSSE. 

Right now OSSE can choose whether to accept and work with these.  The SBOE does not have the power to amend or even propose what they have authority to vote on.  They may only vote up or down what OSSE presents.  You have a recommendation before you to change that.  I urge you in this moment where we have so little electoral power to hold a hearing and vote on their recommendation to modestly expand their ability to do well what they are tasked with.  You well understand the cost of not having control and the cost of that.  This is an area where a vote from the SBOE is required, they should absolutely be able to work together to amend if that is necessary to honor the work they have done with their constituents. 

I have appreciated the transparent and inclusive process the DME is using with COMPACT 2043.  I am concerned that we balance how to prepare a work force and prepare young people to be in that work force with providing a base of knowledge in the core areas.  There is a lot to consider with Artificial Intelligence and a rapidly changing technical world.  I have felt there is space to consider this in the process has so far pursued. 

On the Public Charter School Board, I urge the Council to exercise its oversight authority.  While you noted Chairman, that the city has chosen autonomy – these are public funds and the families in the charter schools deserve oversight and the ability to appeal to you when things are not working. 

We are heading into a more challenging era, where joint planning should be required and overseen.  Thank you