School Buildings are Closed, but Education Continues

By FOCUS Staff

Even though school buildings will not reopen during this school year, teachers, families, and students will continue to do the hard work of virtual learning. Trying to replicate the academics and community that exist within our schools is a monumental challenge, and we are heartened by the creativity, persistence, and collaborations that are taking place all across the city every day. Schools are distributing meals and technology to families that need it most and working with students to ensure learning continues. This undertaking is ongoing and essential to create stability and equity.

Through all of this, we are holding tight to optimism for the future of every single student. DC’s education system can continue to be a model for other cities. This begins with making sure the budget reflects our values. We all understand the intense budget pressures the District finds itself under, but COVID-19 recovery cannot happen without a strong fiscal commitment to our schools. We need to make sure that all students have access to health care, including mental health care, that they need and that they rely upon schools to deliver. We need to make sure that every student, particularly those identified as at risk, get the support that they need to thrive. In addition to academics, our schools are hubs for social services, and they will need to be so even more when it is safe to open the doors again.

Public charter school leaders are at the table for developing smart, innovative solutions for DC families. We will continue working with Mayor Bowser, her Administration, Council, PCSB, and other stakeholders from across the city to make sure the policies and financial support we have in place will ensure that all DC students can thrive.