Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC)
For Immediate Release: April 3, 2007
Contact: Hazel Thomas, Chair, 202-491-9245
Dominique West, Forum Chair, 202-898-5063
Stephanie Rones, Ex. Director, 202-250-PCDC
Citizens to Debate Council Vote and School Takeover
Proposal at PCDC Pubic Forum on April 11th
The first vote by the City Council has been taken, and now it is time for reactions, political analysis, and commentary. Join Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC) on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 13th and Emerson Streets, N.E., Washington, D.C. for a forum on the school takeover and the aftermath of the Council vote. Where do we go from here? PCDC is sponsoring a forum with a panel of media, civic leaders, labor, and officials to discuss the pros and cons of the pending takeover of the D.C. public schools. The forum entitled: “Standing Up for Children, Families, and Communities: The Role of Government and Stakeholders in Improving Our Schools, Our Neighborhoods,” is free and open to the public.
The Forum will be a public discourse on school governance and will focus on critical topics such as: citizens’ involvement in the decision making process, the impact of the environment on academic achievement in the District, and possible solutions to improving schools and neighborhoods. Invited guest panelist include: representatives from the Mayor’s office, School Board President, Robert Bobb and others. The panel will address questions from the moderator and the audience; for example:
▪ What is the cost of the proposed school takeover and the impact on bureaucracy?
▪ What does accountability entail? Will being in charge guarantee success and problems fixed?
▪ How can D.C. reduce the problems in communities and homes that affect teaching and learning?
▪ How can the D.C. school system improve school performance now?
▪ What are the roles and responsibilities of parents, teachers, civic leaders, business leaders, labor, faith community, and government leaders in improving education?
▪ How does the “No Child Left Behind” law impact schools?
▪ How can we make a difference in education and make D.C. a model for the world?
▪ Should traditional D.C. schools be funded like charter schools? Why are charter and traditional schools regulated differently overall?
▪ Should there be a referendum for any Home Rule charter changes? Can we wait for Wards 4 and 7 elections?
▪ The mayoral schools takeover–a panacea, cure-all, current fad, or public relations attention-grabber?▪
The forum is free and open to the public.- More – (flyer attached) –
Premier Community Development Corporation
Improving Ward 5 Housing, Economic Development and Quality of Life
1309 Rhode Island Ave. NE Suite B, Washington, D.C. 20018 ♦ Phone: 202.250.PCDC ♦ Fax: 202.250.PCD3 ♦ premiercdc@yahoo.com
Development Corporation (PCDC)
Improving Housing, Economic Development, and Quality of Life
Where Do We Go from Here?
Sound Off Pro or Con
Share Your Views on the
School Takeover and the Council Vote
Wednesday, April 11, 2007, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
North Michigan Park Recreation Center
13th and Emerson Streets, N. E. Washington , D.C.
Join Us for Political Analysis, Commentary, and Citizens’ Reaction
By Civic Leaders, Labor, Officials, and the Media
With
LaToya Foster, Moderator
In the Know TV Talk Show Host/WOL Radio Talk Show Host
Media Panel
Deborah Simmons HamilHarris
Washington Times Washington Post
James Wright
Washington Afro
Citizens Panel
Earl Neal
AFSCME
Cherita Whiting
Ward 4 Education Council
Marc Borbley
Fix Our Schools
Robert Brannum
DC Federation of Civic Associations
Dennis Moore
DC Independents for Citizen Control
Eric J. Jones
Democratic Political Activist
Jamal Tuner
Commissioner, ANC 7A-06
A PCDC forum – Standing Up For Children, Families, & Communities:
The Role of Government and Stakeholders in Improving Our Schools, Our Neighborhoods
1309 Rhode Island Ave. NE Suite B, Washington , D.C. 20018 ♦ Phone: 202.250.PCDC ♦ Fax: 202.250.PCD3 premiercdc@yahoo.com