At the Ward 7 Education Town Hall, Mayor Fenty enlisted the help of over 150 parents, students, teachers, administrators and community members to conquer the problems that block student academic achievement in the DC Public Schools (DCPS).

Ward 7 Town Hall participants said they want to “mobilize the entire community to value its children and support their success.” The participants discussed the following three questions:

Ward 7 participants want: 1) committed and quality teachers and administrators; 2) increased funding with more equitable deployment of funds and an increased budget for supplies 3) and the renovation of Ward 7 schools, especially the installation of working air-conditioning systems.

Many participants express a desire for more supportive and encouraging teachers and administrators.  They suggest that teachers who do not respond well to the students be replaced with more energetic, engaged teachers.  Most participants stress the importance of revitalization of a love for teaching and working with young people.

Participants demand increased funding for supplies and text books in Ward 7.  Many also say that they want an equitable distribution of resources and elimination of the Weighted Student Formula.

Participants want the timely and cost effective renovation and repair of school facilities.  They ask for the enhancement of the safety and the beauty of schools buildings.  One participant asked that schools be made to look less like prisons.

Participants also urged the creation of a safe learning environment founded on consistent and fair discipline.  There is a desire for programs that will increase student self esteem and help students feel like they have something to offer.  Many want greater parental involvement and a revised curriculum that ensures that students are working at their grade level.  Participants want increased support from the community and from city officials, a revision of special education, an increased number of vocational and after-school programs and increased funding for early care programs. 

Dialogue 2: Safe schools that support learning
Participants consistently call for an increase in qualified and dedicated security; ensuring that students are living and working in a safe environment and safe facilities for students, teachers and staff.

Ward 7 wants welcoming, safe schools: "schools must look more like a second home and less like a prison."

Many participants call for a partnership with DC Police, with a pair of officers trained for and assigned to a school security detail.  There is a strong demand for a zero tolerance policy towards all weapons and drugs.  Finally, participants urge that there should a mandatory “no ID-no entry” policy at schools.

Participants want an environment for students that is safe both mentally and physically.  They call for an increased security around bus stops and metro stations—ensuring student safety to and from school.  There is also a call for a curriculum that teaches appreciation for mutual respect and regard, including peer mediation programs where students are encouraged to voice their conflicts in a safe and healthy environment.  One participant suggests a “Bully Box” where anyone can submit incidents in which they witnessed or experienced bullying; the bully and victim would then be brought in to talk with a counselor about the incident.

Many participants ask that the schools be made to look more welcoming and safe.  One participant said that schools must look more like a second home and less like a prison.  Broken doors and windows need to be fixed in order for the schools to be safer.  Many urge that the areas around schools be cleared and made to look more attractive so that they are less likely to attract criminal activity.

Other issues important to participants include consistent and fair disciplinary action that revolves around tangible consequences for rule breaking, a greater number of after school programs, increased community and parent concern for the welfare of students, recruitment of dedicated and qualified mental healthcare workers and an increase in leadership and wellbeing programs.

Dialogue 3:  Involving parents, guardians and community members in public education
Participants overwhelmingly support more active and stronger PTA organizations.  They want a more streamlined and more welcoming volunteer process and increased communication between the school, parents and community.

Participants think that the schools should recruit and provide incentives for parents to become involved in the schools rather than demanding or mandating that involvement.  Moreover, participants suggest workshops on good parenting practices.

Many think that schools must make it easier for parents to be involved at their child’s school.  For example, schools could pay for background checks and for TB testing, as well as providing a liaison between the school and parents to inform parents about volunteer opportunities and other ways to participate in their child’s education.

Most participants want an increase in the methods and amount of communication between the school and the parents regarding all aspects of student life—from grades and progress reports to athletics and community events.