Defending Our Schools, Funding Literacy, and Cutting Classroom Distractions
Dear Neighbor,
As winter turns the page to spring, we have the opportunity to author a brighter future for our students. The seasons may change, but my commitment to literacy and DC students remains unwavering.
Advocating for Literacy Investments
I need your help to ensure evidence-based literacy programs receive the funding they deserve this budget season. Literacy isn’t just about reading books; it’s about unlocking opportunities. Research shows that early literacy skills are the foundation for academic success, workforce readiness, and civic engagement.
Please write to Mayor Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Education Kihn to support Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s requested in her budget letter urging full funding for the recommendations from OSSE’s Early Literacy Task Force. Investing in literacy today will yield lifelong dividends for our students and community.
Defending DC Education Funding
Today, my colleagues and I on the State Board issued statement opposing the elements of H.R. 1968 which threaten to strip over $350 million from DC’s public and public charter schools for the remainder of this fiscal year. These cuts would have devastating consequences, including larger class sizes, fewer resources, and diminished support for teachers and students.
I’d appreciate your thoughts. In this political climate, what strategies do you think we should pursue to defend DC students?
Keeping Cell Phones Out of the Classroom
Many Ward 2 parents and teachers have expressed concerns about the growing distraction of cell phones in classrooms. In response, I co-authored an op-ed with Councilmember Pinto outlining why we must act now to ensure our schools remain focused on learning. Studies show that reducing cell phone usage in schools improves student engagement, reduces anxiety, and fosters stronger in-person interactions. Our students deserve an environment where they can immerse themselves in learning without the constant buzz of digital distractions. Thanks to Councilmember Pinto for her leadership on this important issue.
In the Community
This past Saturday, I joined Ward 2 neighbors for a neighborhood cleanup, and I want to extend my gratitude to ANC 2G Commissioner Rachelle Nigro for co-coordinating this effort. A clean neighborhood is a welcoming neighborhood, and if you’d like to organize a cleanup in your part of the Ward, let me know- I’d be happy to help.
Celebrating Student Achievements
Congratulations to Calique Barnes, Anna Mayer, and Ryan Ting as they head to Morehouse, Swarthmore, and Harvard! Wishing them success in this exciting new chapter.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of help.
Allister Chang
Ward 2 Representative, DC State Board of Education