Jessica Giles
Executive Director, DC
Education Reform Now Advocacy
DC Council Committee of the Whole’s Budget Oversight Hearing on:
- State Board of Education (including Student Advocate and Ombudsman)
- District of Columbia State Athletic Association
- Public Charter School Board
- Deputy Mayor for Education (Government Only)
- University of the District of Columbia
Good morning, Chairman Mendelson, Members, and Staff of the Committee of the Whole. My name is Jessica Giles. I am a ward seven resident and the Executive Director of the D.C. Chapter of Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA), an organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students. With limited time today, I want to discuss two topics.
Equitable Funding for Students
At ERNA, we prioritize students’ needs—no matter where they live or which school they attend. That is why we are particularly concerned about subtitle (IV)(A), which delays equitable funding between DCPS and public charter schools until fiscal year 2029 and subtitle (IV)(K), which repeals the public charter facility allowance after fiscal year 2025.
Subtitle (IV)(A) – Funding for Public Schools and Public Charter Schools Increase Amendment Act of 2024
This subtitle sets a bad precedent for the next four years and reverses DC Council’s incredible work last year to provide the same level of funding for schools across sectors. We urge you to strike this language.
Subtitle (IV)(K) – Charter School Facility Allowance Amendment Act of 2024
This subtitle repeals the public charter facilities allowance after next year. All students need safe, well-maintained buildings in order to learn. The facilities allowance helps schools make needed renovations and keep up with rising costs and inflation. We urge you to strike this language.
Strengthening Student Supports at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
As D.C.’s only public university, UDC is a critical partner in ensuring residents are able to earn an affordable degree and launch a career that allows them to thrive. With low student enrollment (3,855 – Fall 2024, compared to 5,1188 – Fall 2014) and completion rates (35% combined for bachelor and associate degrees), it is imperative that UDC strengthen its student support services.[1] ERNA’s affiliate organization, Education Reform Now DC released a report last November titled, “D.C.’s Quiet Crisis in College Access & Completion.”[2] It enumerates several recommendations UDC should adopt and we are pleased that the University’s strategic plan is aligned with them.
- Launch a support model to incentivize on-time degree completion.
- Provide grant-based aid sufficient to move part-time students to full-time status.
- Provide student advising services that include fully utilizing early warning systems to target supports to students at risk of getting off track.
- Reduce student debt by eliminating loans for first-year students.
- Establish articulation agreements within the University (Workforce Development & Lifelong Learning to associate to bachelor’s) and between the Community College and other local universities, so that students can transfer their credits and earn a bachelor’s degree or credential.
- Provide free corequisite courses with wraparound support.
- Immediately end the practice of withholding student records and transcripts.
- Deepen dual enrollment investments.
The Mayor’s proposed budget includes three student-first investments that are important, and we hope to hear more discussion about them today:
- $1.65 million to maintain a scholarship program at the University of the District of Columbia for residents who seek a career pathway within behavioral health
- $1.1 million for UDC to bolster student success and outcomes
- $4 million in capital improvements for a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that will enhance the University’s ability to attract, enroll, retain, and graduate the District’s residents
We would also like to hear more from UDC about their efforts to expand dual enrollment and whether the proposed budget supports this. Thank you for allowing me to testify today. I am available for any questions you may have.
[1]University of the District of Columbia. “2024 UDC Performance Oversight Hearing Responses.” 22 February 2024. Source: https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/242
[2] Education Reform Now DC. “D.C.’s Quiet Crisis in College Access & Completion.” 1 November 2023. Source: https://edreformnow.org/2023/11/01/new-report-highlights-d-c-s-quiet-crisis-in-college-access-completion/