Why isn't he campaigning for himself? What is is plan to support families with special needs children?

This is Jacqui Settles.

We had to take John's mom to the hospital last night so I apologize for the delay in responding to your questions.

Regarding Neighborhood Preference for Charters:

First, this issue is why John believes we have to have better collaboration and cooperation between DCPS and Charters. He supports a limited percentage of neighborhood slots-20%. John understands the concern that neighborhood preference may limit access to children from low income areas, especially those East of the River where they have lower percentages of quality schools.

The reason he believes in a limited percentage of neighborhood slots is that he has spoken with both low income and middle class families who haven't been able to lottery into the nearby charter, and they have expressed difficulty with the time and financial burden of driving or using public transportation to get to a school across town.

City Wide Middle School HS Lottery:

John does not like this idea. He believes the city should create magnet middle schools and also offer specialty programs. John sees the situation with our middle schools as a crisis which is impacting our elementary schools particularly with regard to 4th & 5th grade enrollment.

I want to note that while some of you may not agree with all of his positions, what you should know about John is he really does think through issues. So, he's not going to BS you or tap dance around where he stands. However, he is a phenomenal listener (much better than I am ) and he truly considers all points of view when making a decision.

If you have any questions, I'll do my best to respond (although I may be a little slower than normal today since his mom took ill). Thanks again for the engagement!

Anonymous wrote:If elected it would be up to "us" to help change his mind. My understanding is that he wants the community's input. He is/has been on our side of the table...and understands the value if our voice. I wouldn't worry about his position too much. We can help change it.

It is disconcerting that he starts with this position though as it is myopic.

If elected it would be up to "us" to help change his mind. My understanding is that he wants the community's input. He is/has been on our side of the table...and understands the value if our voice. I wouldn't worry about his position too much. We can help change it.

Anonymous wrote:The neighborhood preference position is horrible. But I already voted for him. I really hope he reexamines the position though, as it really is devastating both to the charters and to the students (ward 7 students would only get neighborhood preference at schools willing to locate in ward seven, nobody sees a huge problem with that?)

and if a charter found a space in AU Park, 25% of the spots would be saved for neighborhood kids.

Imagine if Latin's incubator space was something that met their needs long term.

The neighborhood preference position is horrible. But I already voted for him. I really hope he reexamines the position though, as it really is devastating both to the charters and to the students (ward 7 students would only get neighborhood preference at schools willing to locate in ward seven, nobody sees a huge problem with that?)

Wow! Thanks for the posting. What a likeable guy!

There's a great video posted in the political forum. I think the thread is something like "who's your choice for at large". Wish I knew how to post it here but alas - I don't!

What is his view on city wide lottery only MS and HS?

Ugh. Thanks all.

This is not jacqui settles ... but a neighbor of theirs and I have worked with them on several education issues on out Ward. I know that he supports a percentage of spots at a Charter school being allotted for neighborhood kids. Somewhere in the 20-25 pct range.

Anonymous wrote:What is his policy on whether to grant a neighborhood preference to charter schools? Thanks.

He has previously said that he supports neighborhood preference. However, so do all of his opponents in the primary. So, while I disagree with his position, it's a wash this time around.

I agree-I think more people sitting on the city council need to be parents with kids in the public schools.

What is his policy on whether to grant a neighborhood preference to charter schools? Thanks.

As a mom with three young kids , I --like many of you—have had children in both DCPS and charters, and have had to play the lottery waiting game. As a matter of fact, my husband and I have twins, so our angst was heightened a few years back when we were able to get one twin off a wait list, but not the other. So, I fully understand that this is a stressful time for many of of you because I've been through it myself.

For those of you not worried about the upcoming lottery results, you may be concerned about the boundary and feeder pattern restructuring and what effect those changes will have on your family. I know I am.

The election on Tuesday is important not just because we will be electing a mayor for the next four years, but also an at large Council member who will be making some critical decisions affecting our children's future.

Did you know that the Council Education Committee has no member with kids in schools, and only one parent-- Marion Barry, whose son is almost 35? That's a problem.

My husband, John Settles, is the only parent with kids in school running for council at large. We need another council member with ground level knowledge of our education issues, advocating for our children.

As a father of three, John has a vested interest in making sure the city gets it right on education. He is co-chair of our LSAT, is a board member on the SE Children's Fund (an early childhood organization), and is serving on the boundary changes focus and working groups. He not only understands the education issues we face in this city, he lives them.

I was initially reluctant when people encouraged John to run for the at large seat because I was concerned about the impact of the race on our family life. But I knew that John could use his vast experience and depth knowledge in areas like education, housing, and finance, to help our city.

As his wife, I can tell you that John is not only brilliant --yes, I'm biased , but he is a man of integrity who truly cares about people.

Last year, I watched my husband struggle to make the last weeks and days as bright as possible for a terminally ill, 13-year-old boy named, Josh.

Josh was a member of a church youth group that John led. John spent hours encouraging Josh, helped raise money for the family, and tried his best to come up with anything that would take the boy's mind off the pain.

Despite everyone's prayers and efforts, Josh lost his battle with cancer last spring.

My husband questioned whether there was anything more he could have done. I told him he had done all that was possible and that most importantly, Josh left this earth knowing he had a true mentor and loyal friend.

In our 18 years of marriage, this was not the first time I witnessed John stop everything to help someone in need. It's who John is. Committed. Compassionate. A Problem Solver. It's why we need him on the Council.

The Current newspapers endorsed John saying, "He may be the best informed non-incumbent we have ever interviewed..."

I invite you to read the endorsement ( http://www.settlesfordcatlarge.com/news )and take a moment to watch this brief video ( http://youtu.be/_lrOWouqvVo ) of John in his own words. You can also visit his website at http://www.Settlesfordcatlarge.com.

Hopefully you'll agree with me that we need someone new on the Council and that John is the right guy.

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,
Jacqui Allen- Settles