Mayor Anthony A. Williams
Revised Comprehensive School Governance Reform Proposal
June 1, 2004

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Revised Comprehensive School Governance Reform Proposal

Revised Omnibus Board of Education and DC Public Schools Restructuring Act: The policy making and democratic role of the current school board structure will be preserved -- and even enhanced -- while also restructuring and improving the operational management of DC Public Schools.

The current Board of Education would be elevated into a true state Board of Education with ultimate authority for setting and enforcing statewide policies while the Superintendent, or Chancellor, would concentrate on managing the system and educating students under streamlined accountability.

This revised proposal addresses key concerns in the following areas:

Democracy

This bill establishes an all-elected board immediately upon passage, which is earlier than any other proposal.
This all elected "state" board will have real policy making authority in areas important to education, including setting standards for what all children should be learning, setting minimum credentials for teachers and staff, etc.

State Board of Education

This proposal does not "create" a State Board of Education. These powers exist in the current Board of Education.
It does, however, streamline and simplify the educational organization in the District by allowing the elected body to deal only with these high level education issues, thereby having more time and ability to concentrate on these matters.
We are also removing the current conflict of interest that exists in the current Board of Education, where the same body set policies and implements them.
Finally, this proposal allows for more Council input in these important educational issues than exists in the current structure.

DC Public Schools

This proposal addresses concerns over management and operational issues at DC Public Schools by streamlining the accountability and vesting control in the Superintendent (Chancellor).
The Mayor and Council will provide oversight to the DC Public School system, similar to any other cabinet level agency.
This bill has addressed concerns about a lack of public input in the local processes by creating an "Omnibus" office that will have a member from each Ward to address parent concerns, hold public dialogue, etc.

Overview of School Governance Reform Proposal
As of Tuesday, June 1

	Compromise State Board/Chancellor Bill
DCPS Structure	Cabinet-level agency Streamlines accountability to allow for unhindered, efficient operational management. Creates and Office of the Ombudsman to help resolve public concerns regarding DCPS
Superintendent	"Chancellor" appointed by Mayor; confirmed by Council
Composition of Board of Education (Board)	8 member board Comprised of 8 elected members (1 per ward) and a chair selected from other members on a rotating basis.
Role of Board	Elevated to State Board of Education Independent, policy making body . Establishes broad educational policies for all public schools and some private schools Sets standards, teacher certification, attendance regulations, and other "state-level" education policies Appoints State Education Officer Oversees activities of State Education Office Review and comment on schools budget Independent budget proposal to Council/Mayor can opine. Policy making authority subject to 15 day passive approval through Council for standards and certification only.
State Education Office	Would serve as Secretariat to State Board of Education Implements all policies established by State Board Disburses federal funds, and provides oversight, monitoring and technical assistance to public and private schools Director takes on directorship of Apprenticeship Council with policymaking authority to Board.
Chartering Authority	Consolidates all charter schools under Public Charter School Board Public Charter School Board authority unchanged
Labor	Suspends work conditions for DCPS employees
Legislative Vehicle	Local Law; Home Rule Charter Amendment

Mayor Anthony A. Williams Revised Comprehensive School Governance Reform Proposal June 1, 2004