Ward 4 State Board of Education

[Anonymous]

Did anyone attend the debate this week? What were the highlights? Who should I vote for, given I have a 3 and 6 year old in a Charter, but also adore our local public (but didn't get in - waitlist).

[Anonymous]

Personally, I'm voting for Frazier O'Leary. There are a few charters that seem to be doing well, and I support those that have niche offerings that are not widely available in DCPS (immersion, Montessori, etc.). However, there are too many of them, and they directly compete with neighborhood schools, siphoning off motivated families and delaying the turnaround of some schools.

I also like Ryan Tauranien--he'd be my second choice.

Don't know a whole lot about Elani Laurence.

Definitely not voting for the mayor's candidate, Rhonda Henderson--she is funded by groups that back charter interests, and she supports mayoral control of schools, which I think hasn't worked out so well, judging from the last chancellor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I'm voting for Frazier O'Leary. There are a few charters that seem to be doing well, and I support those that have niche offerings that are not widely available in DCPS (immersion, Montessori, etc.). However, there are too many of them, and they directly compete with neighborhood schools, siphoning off motivated families and delaying the turnaround of some schools.

I also like Ryan Tauranien--he'd be my second choice.

Don't know a whole lot about Elani Laurence.

Definitely not voting for the mayor's candidate, Rhonda Henderson--she is funded by groups that back charter interests, and she supports mayoral control of schools, which I think hasn't worked out so well, judging from the last chancellor.

Co-sign all of this. HRCS are going to be fine without another charter-focused candidate on the Board, and the bulk of charters are not highly regarded or particularly successful. I don't think we should keep siphoning resources from DCPS for more and more of them. Neighborhood schools need the most focus and help, and it's where the Board's energy should be focused. Henderson is Todd's and Bowser's candidate, so no thanks. Tauranien has that "Teach for America candidate here to save the day" vibe - I trust his intentions but prefer a bit more experience. I know nothing at all about Laurence, and that's with trying to do my research.