 Why are you seeking election to
the Washington DC School Board?
It is time for the people of the District of Columbia to demand change.
For 23 years I have been a D.C. Public Schools parent and I have seen
the city disinvest from our school system. We must demand change: elect
someone who will put children first, not house them in the worst public
buildings in the city.
What are your qualifications
for the position you seek?
I have been a D.C. Public School parent for 23 years. Three
of my children have graduated from DCPS and a fourth, Machel, is
currently a freshman at Banneker SHS. I have helped create PTAs at three
public schools and have served on the local school restructuring
committee at 6 of the eight schools that my chilren have attended.
As the 1st Director of the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program I faced
many of the same obstacles that confront our School Board and learned to
work among multiple constituencies including the Mayor, Congresswoman
Norton, the City Council, the U.S. Congress, the White House, and the
Department of Education.
In your opinion what are the
five major issues facing the Washington DC School System?
- Proliferation of charter schools
- Public voucher program
- Quality of charter schools
- Private placement of special
education students
- Lack of community input and
involvement
Who or what is to blame?
The number one culprit is the U.S. Congress who continues to
use D.C. as a laboratory for its social experimentation.
What is your opinion of mayoral
candidate Adrian M. Fenty's position that the elected Washington DC
School Board be converted to an appointed advisory panel?
This is a bad proposal. I challenge Adrian Fenty to come up
with a detailed critique of Dr. Janey's Master Education Plan and Master
Facility Plan. If he can provide a compelling explanation of why these
two plans are on the wrong track, I will support him in his takeover
bid.
Do you have a web
site for your candidacy?
Yes, the address is www.laurentross.com.
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