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All Hands on Deck

Children’s Law Center has advocated for DC children for nearly 30 years. Ensure DC children do not get left behind as federal changes impact our local budget.

Resource

FY26 Budget Testimony: Deputy Mayor for Education and District of Columbia Public Charter School Board

May 30, 2025

Senior Policy Attorney Danielle Robinette testified before the Committee of the Whole at the FY26 Budget Oversight Hearing for the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) and the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board (PCSB).

Our testimony urges the Committee to maintain key investments in the education sector, so that existing programs can continue to operate and serve DC students. These key programs include Students in the Care of DC which address chronic absenteeism and stronger oversight and transparency of the PCSB. We also hope the committee will work with charter LEAs to identify potential cuts to staffing and services resulting from the termination of federal grants and explore ways to minimize the impact felt by DC students.

Our Impact on Children’s Education

Too often the District’s schools fail to provide students with physical, learning or emotional disabilities or children living in poverty with the right supports they need to succeed. We work with parents and schools to get a child’s education back on track – from ensuring testing for learning disabilities at a young age to making sure students with disabilities have an appropriate plan that meets their learning needs.

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