Peggy Cooper Cafritz, Candidate for
President, DC Board of Education, in the
November 7, 2000, General Election
Flyer, October 2000

October 12, 2000

Dear Commissioner:

My name is Peggy Cooper Cafritz. I co-founded the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in 1974 because I recognized a burning need for a place where Washington's most artistically creative children could pursue their talents and dreams within the public school system. Almost 30 years later, I see an even greater need in our city - the need to reform a public school system that has failed to meet the basic needs for our children. That is why I am seeking the office of President of the newly reorganized District of Columbia Board of Education in the November 7 election.

If elected, I will undertake the necessary reform by focusing on what I call "the 3 A's: Academics for every child's mind, Athletics for every child's body, and the Arts for every child's soul." Meaningful school reform cannot be attained, however, until the entire community has a voice and a stake in the reform effort. Our administrators and principals must lead the reform, our teachers must implement it, and our students, and community leaders must support it. Too frequently, neighborhood leaders have been left out of important policy discussions regarding our schools: I want to change that. If elected, I pledge to hold quarterly meetings with Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners to solicit input on how we can make our neighborhood schools better.

Working with you and other community leaders, I am confident that I have the skills and leadership experience to bring a world-class public education to the District of Columbia public schools. I hope I can count on your support and your vote. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, please call the Committee to Elect Peggy Cooper Cafritz at (202) 234-2602.

Yours for Better Public Schools,

Peggy Cooper Cafritz

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Peggy Cooper Cafritz President DC Board of Education
Diane Simmons Williams, Treasurer
To Volunteer Call (202) 234-2602 or Fax (202) 234-2844