SUMMARY OF EDUCATION PLATFORM

The Williams Administration will exercise the Mayor's role under the District's charter to develop initiatives through the budget process and provide a vision for public education. The programs and policies I support can be implemented through the Office of the Mayor, DC Public Schools and public charter schools, business and community organizations, and by the will of committed parents. I have four priority goals for public education in the District.

GOAL ONE
Propose programs and initiatives to increase student achievement.

• Propose a 5% increase in teacher pay that will cost approximately $10 million.
• Budget sufficient funds to assure successful implementation of a safe schools initiative.
• Propose funding to equip all District junior and senior high schools with high tech security.
• Propose annual budget increases for pre-kindergarten so that this critical early childhood program is available to all District 4 year-olds.
• Re-establish the Inter-Agency Council on Education bringing D.C. Public Schools together with the Department of Health, Human Development, Recreation and Parks, Employment Services, Metropolitan Police Department and the Courts to effectively develop and coordinate programs and policies to meet the needs of families and the neighborhoods.
• Direct the Department of Recreation and Parks to work closely with D.C. Public Schools to maximize opportunities for youth before and after school
• Negotiate inter-agency agreement between the Metropolitan Police Department and D.C. Public Schools to enhance security and safety in schools.
• Direct the Departments of Health and Human Development to work with the D. C. Public Schools on early identification and intervention for pre-school children
• Work with the Public Benefits Corporation and the Department of Health to strengthen the school nurse program as a critical, school-based preventive health program for children.

GOAL TWO
Empower the District's neighborhoods through school-based management and parental school choice.

• Retain, encourage, and reward successful school principals. Expand their authority to manage their schools without interference from school system bureaucrats, but with their support.
• Allow parents choice between charter and public schools and give public schools the tools and resources to compete effectively.
• Require direct accountability by public school managers for schools that are rejected by parents. Senior administrators will have job tenure and promotion decisions measured by their ability to meet school reform and other performance milestones.

GOAL THREE
Invest in modern infrastructure and implement sound management practices.

• Continue to improve the fiscal integrity of the District to maximize capital funding that will repair and rebuild the District's public schools.
• Create a moratorium on school closings until there is a facilities plan that defines each community's needs.
• Set business standards for DCPS by requiring timely, up-to-date information to principals and parents. Information, whether programmatic or financial, should be delivered in a professional and accurate manner. Apply fundamental business principals and professionalism to school management and performance evaluations. As Mayor, I will work with D.C. Public Schools, the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Financial Officer to bring about timely, user-friendly budget information for parents and school based staff.

GOAL FOUR
Develop partnerships with not-for-profit organizations, and local and national businesses.

• Construct 21st century learning centers throughout the school system incorporating the latest in instructional technology.
• Publicly recognize businesses that have donated time, money, and employees to enhance existing literacy and mentoring programs and encourage others to do the same.
• Work with Superintendent Arlene Ackerman to have not-for-profit organizations create professional development programs for teachers in collaboration with businesses that will strengthen efforts to improve school quality.

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