By: Paul Negron, Public Affairs Specialist
At this month’s public meeting, the DC State Board of Education (SBOE) elected Ms. Karen Williams of Ward 7 as President and Mr. Jack Jacobson of Ward 2 as Vice President. Both members served in these roles during 2017 and both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles.
Additionally, the SBOE formally adopted a structure for upcoming policy, governance, and engagement committees to help achieve the goals of increasing equity and academic excellence in District public schools. The Board looks forward to continuing its work on the ambitious goals laid out in the SBOE strategic plan.
Below are the 2018 SBOE Committee assignments:
Administration & Budget – This committee monitors and oversees the State Board’s budget, personnel and governance.
- Chair: Jack Jacobson, Ward 2
- Members: Mark Jones, Ward 5; Lannette Woodruff, Ward 4; Karen Williams (ex officio)
Student Advisory – The Student Advisory committee ensures the voice of students is heard in improving education in the District.
- Co-Chairs: Tallya Rhodes & Tatiana Robinson
- Members: Students, Karen Williams (ex officio)
Educational Excellence & Equity – Regulations & Laws – This committee will focus on conducting high-quality policy research and analysis to support the State Board’s role in approving District education regulations.
- Chair: Laura Wilson Phelan, Ward 1
- Members: Ashley Carter, At-Large; Markus Batchelor, Ward 8; Karen Williams (ex officio)
Educational Excellence & Equity – Educational Standards – This committee will focus on reviewing and analyzing District educational standards.
- Co-Chairs: Ruth Wattenberg, Ward 3; Mark Jones, Ward 5
- Members: Jack Jacobson, Ward 2; Karen Williams (ex officio)
ESSA Task Force – ESSA implementation began during the 2017-18 school year. The task force will work diligently with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to continue gathering input from diverse stakeholders on the design and development of the new accountability system for the District.
- Chair: Lannette Woodruff, Ward 4
- Members: Jack Jacobson, Ward 2; Joe Weedon, Ward 6; Karen Williams (ex officio)
Public Engagement & Outreach – This committee is tasked with ensuring that all voices are heard on key education policy issues. Priorities will include developing a community engagement strategy that includes diverse stakeholders and expanding the breadth of participation at SBOE community meetings, forums, and roundtables around the District.
- Co-Chairs: Markus Batchelor, Ward 8; Ashley Carter, At-Large
- Members: Jack Jacobson, Ward 2; Karen Williams (ex officio)
D.C. State Board of Education Blog 