Like a dying sinner facing the pearly gates, the D.C. Council suddenly has found religion. Its conversion to rabid education advocate is spectacular. Wonder if it has anything to do with Sept. 12?
First, the council approved a school modernization plan that taps $100 million in sales tax revenues for the next 10 years — this in addition to the D.C. Public Schools’ annual capital improvement budget.
On the campaign trail, members who, only a few years ago, fought Mayor Anthony Williams about preserving an elected D.C. Board of Education, now want a mayoral takeover.
This week, the council held a public hearing on a trio of amendments to the District’s constitution. The proposals would declare a “quality education” the right of all children; mandate that all students be capable of reading by the third grade and capable of solving simple math problems by the fourth grade; and give the mayor and council line-item veto over the DCPS’ budget. The measure(s) that wins council approval will be placed on the ballot in November — a requirement for any changes to the Home Rule Charter.
The amendments are redundant and classic fare in a political season where every candidate is running around in a cape, talking loudly and flashing a supersize “E” on his or her chest.
Truth told, there already is a law establishing quality education as a right; the School Board adopted Superintendent Clifford Janey’s master education plan, which sets academic goals for the system; and the council holds ultimate budget approval power. The legislature can decline to act on the schools budget, forcing critical education changes.
Lawmakers prefer whining and artifices.
Removing obstacles to academic achievement require more than tricks, theatrics and fast talk. District leaders must slay the beast that is the school system’s entrenched bureaucracy, brimming with folks who have retired on the job. Then they have to tackle the socioeconomicrealities of DCPS’ student population.
The former requires political will. Seen any of that lately?
Geoffrey Canada and his Harlem Children’s Zone may provide a road map for the latter. Canada targeted a census track and flushed that area with comprehensive anti-violence initiatives, mentoring, tutoring, health care, child care, all-day preschool and parenting classes.
In his first term, Williams had a somewhat similar idea: Safe passages would focus government resources on at-risk children who had come in contract with one or more agencies or the juvenile justice system. His plan went nowhere. He put the wrong people in charge.
The city need not accept defeat.
Instead of auditioning for the role of education supermen and messing with the charter, the council, mayoral hopefuls and others may want to pick up the telephone. Word is Canada is willing to travel — if city leaders are serious.
Jonetta Rose Barras is the political analyst for WAMU radio’s D.C. “Politics Hour with Kojo and Jonetta.”
