Jessica Giles
Executive Director
D.C. Chapter of ERN affiliate Education Reform Now Advocacy
DC Council’s Committee of the Whole Hearing on:
B26-0062 – Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025
Greetings, Chairman Mendelson, Councilmembers, and staff. My name is Jessica Giles. I am a resident of ward seven and the Executive Director of the D.C. Chapter of Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA), a non-profit organization advocating for a just and equitable public education system for all D.C. students. Although the perspective expressed in this testimony is within my professional capacity at ERNA, I am also on the board of trustees of a public charter school in the District of Columbia. I am pleased to testify in support of B26-0062, the Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025.
Since their inception nearly 30 years ago, public charter schools in D.C. have expanded educational opportunities for families, providing a high-quality alternative to the traditional public school system. In the 2023-24 school year, public charter schools educated 46,358 students, nearly half of all public school students in the District. These 134 schools managed by 68 independently run nonprofit organizations are tuition-free, open to all, public, and operate with increased autonomy in exchange for rigorous accountability. As such, we must ensure that all public schools—both charter and traditional—are held to the highest standards of excellence.
Public charter school board members play an essential role in ensuring the academic, financial, and operational health of their schools. A board that is engaged, informed, and well-structured is best positioned to uphold the commitments outlined in a school’s charter and ensure that all students receive a high-quality education.
An effective board starts with selecting the right members—individuals who bring the necessary expertise and a deep commitment to the school’s mission. As board members cycle off, it is critical to quickly replace them with members who are committed to strengthening governance and oversight. Given that board members have diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, it is imperative that they are trained in the following:
- Governance and board operations
- Financial oversight
- Academic performance and accountability
- School operations and risk management
- CEO partnership and leadership development
- Legal compliance with federal, D.C. Laws, the policies of the Public Charter School Board (PCSB), and the charter contract of their school(s).[1]
Serving on a public charter school board requires significant time, dedication, and a commitment to continuous learning. Board members must be knowledgeable about the academic, financial, and organizational history of their school(s), responsibilities, and actions they should take when certain situations occur. They also must be proactive in setting strategic goals and ensuring that the schools they oversee remain focused on student success. This work is demanding and requires a deep sense of responsibility, yet board members serve as volunteers.
Any legislation that the D.C. Council moves forward should give board members the flexibility to take advantage of high-quality and relevant trainings at any time and to avoid creating barriers that might discourage dedicated and capable leaders from stepping up to serve.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome any questions you may have.
[1] Board on Track. Recommended Charter Board Policies.
https://bot-support.transact.com/hc/en-us/articles/29931982645787-Recommended-Charter-Board-Policies