Robert Matthews
into multi-use facilities,” meaning that former school buildings could be used for a wide range of activities from adult education classes to ANC meetings. Williams believes that having a strong foundation with early childhood education will prepare students for future education endeavors. “If a child is prepared to go to school, they will be successful,” she explains. “If the child is successful, then we’ll be successful.” She believes her experience as an early childhood administrator would be an asset if she is elected. “I graduated from a DC public school,” Williams said. “I worked in DC public schools. I know what it’s capable of.” Williams would support policies establishing consistent guidelines for creating and maintaining what she calls “high reliability schools” throughout all wards. Her platform lists strategies such as having a clear school mission, fostering high expectations for success, frequent monitoring of student progress (“That doesn’t necessarily mean standardized testing,” Williams stated), and effective collaboration among schools, community and parents (www. karenwilliamsforward7sboe.com).
Robert Matthews
“I’m really not a political person,” said Robert Matthews, a DC resident since 1969. “However,”
he continued, “I do consider myself a child advocate.” Matthews has a lengthy history with DCPS, working as a teacher (for 15 years), counselor (for 14 years) and basketball coach before retiring in 2011. He also participated in an assistant principle internship, but didn’t complete it due to staff reduction. Although he served Ward 7 politically as an ANC Commissioner for 7E, he continued his support for DCPS. For instance, he initially wanted to run for City Council chairperson, but later bowed out the race, feeling that the state board was a better fit for him and his experience. If elected, Matthews says that he will “make teaching and learning the first priority for the children in Ward 7.” His platform promises support for initiatives that help reduce bullying, increase parental involvement and improve school safety. It remains to be seen how he would make it happen. Like his fellow candidates, he is against possible school closings, remarking that “Ward 7 is suffering from previous school closings.” referring to the 23 that were closed under former Chancellor Michelle Rhee. He also plans to attend any upcoming meetings on the issue, “because fiscal, financial, and factual reasons need to accompany any public school closing” (sites.google.com/site/ electrlmatthews/).
Call to the Community
All the contenders in this, one of the wards with the lowest education attainment, are calling for more community involvement. A study by the Justice Policy Institute argues that “investing in education can help increase public safety and promote positive social outcomes for DC youth,” including increased access to employment and safer environments. Voting for the best representative is the first step to better schools and a better Ward 7. l
“EDUCATION IS THE PASSPORT TO A BETTER FUTURE”
ON NOVEMBER 6
REELECT DOROTHY DOUGLAS FOR WARD 7 STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
#4 ON THE BALLOT · Energize the Education Reform Movement: work with Public Agencies, Elected Officials, and Public & Charter School stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to improve the educational outcomes of our children. · Address Bullying: by creating a support system to combat school bullying, including a parent resource center and teacher sensitivity training. · Parental Engagement: providing a written source of information to the parents of Ward 7 through a parent newsletter. · Children with Special Needs: advocacy for a local directory of available resources for parents in Ward 7 and the District.
202.256.8620
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ddouglasdorothy@yahoo.com
Paid for by The Committee to Elect Dorothy Douglas. 4401 Minnesota Ave, NE - Washington, DC 20019. Tanike Washington, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Office of Campaign Finance 2012
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