The table consisted of 6 people in addition to the facilitator, the recorder from the DCPS Office of Community Engagement and an observer from DCPS administration: Ward 8 resident, Ward 7 DCPS teacher; Ward 8 resident; Ward 8 resident, former long-time DCPS teacher at a Ward 6 elementary, also taught in Wards 7 and 8; Ward 8 resident, lives near Orr; Ward 8 resident, Ballou alumnus.

Questions about the proposal:
How would resources be moved from closing to receiving schools - - particularly new smart boards that have been purchased at one school?

How will teachers be re-distributed? Will entire schools be reconstituted with all teachers having to re-apply? One teacher had just been evaluated as highly effective - - how will that distinction follow to the next assignment?

What about the Proving What’s Possible grants? 9 of the schools proposed for closure received them – the school in question got a three-year grant. How is that to be handled? How can $10 million can be granted to schools 6 months ago through these grants and now those schools are on the chopping block?

How have neighborhood dynamics been considered?

How many people knew about this meeting? How are people supposed to find out about it?
We have lots of very young parents who just are not aware.

Teachers at the affected schools of course, knew about the meetings. The Ward 8 State Board of Ed member notified people; others were aware just from being active in the schools for years.

There is really no rationale for the closings other than under-enrollment. We need to reach out to parents with data and information.

Parents are too apathetic - - not enough of them are angry about the closings.

How does one increase parental involvement? There should be many, many more people at this meeting.