FOCUS Candidate Questions 2010

David Schwartzman, At-Large City Council Candidate, DC Statehood Green Party
www.davidschwartzman.com

1. If elected, what will you do to ensure that surplus school buildings are made available to all the public charter schools that need them before offering the buildings to D.C. government agencies, developers, or others?

I opposed the closing of neighborhood schools which has created overcrowding in DCPS and hardship for low income families who cannot afford the cost of transporting their children to school as evident by recent reports on the higher numbers of student absences. Therefore I support the reopening of most of the "surplus" school buildings, offering wrap-around services to families in need. Schools whether public or charter should have access to surplus schools, but public neighborhood schools must have priority over any other use.

2. If elected, how will you balance charter school autonomy with the desire for consistent standards and expectations across public schools?

I support more autonomy for all public schools, but with full accountability regarding budgetary allocations to our elected District government. Neither DCPS nor DCPC should be dumping grounds for students coming out of public charter or public schools. A better system must be in place where students moving across schools are not dumped without their files, academic progress, and relevant information. Furthermore, the money allocated to these students should be made available and transferred to ensure that neither school system is strapped trying to meet students' educational needs. All parents and students deserve equal treatment, as well as the finest education, preparing our youth with 21st Century pedagogy, especially an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. We need experienced teachers in the classroom with fully funded support.

3. If elected, how will you ensure that students attending public charter schools have equal access to operating funding, facilities allowance funding, and city-provided health and safety services, such as school nurses and crossing guards?

I support equal treatment for all students. Administrators of all schools must be fully accountable to District government monitoring of student progress. Charter teacher attrition is high and is detrimental to student progress. One factor contributing to the loss of charter school teachers is the fact that many are transferring to DCPS where public school teachers have access to better salaries and are afforded comprehensive benefit packages not available to charter school teachers. Teachers and staff should have the rights to collective bargaining with respect to their salary/benefits and working conditions in all District schools.