Confirmation Hearing Testimony Supporting Ricarda Ganjam, PCSB Board Member

September 17, 2015

Testimony. 

Testimony of Scott Pearson, Executive Director
DC Public Charter School Board
Confirmation Hearing for Ricarda Ganjam, PCSB Board Member

DC Council Committee on Education
September 17, 2015

Thank you Chairman Grosso and members of the DC Council on Education for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Scott Pearson and as the Executive Director of the DC Public Charter School Board, I am here to offer my support for Ricarda Ganjam in her appointment to the Board.  I am confident that Mrs. Ganjam will deepen the Board’s credibility and expertise and allow us to carry out our mission of providing quality public school options for all DC students and families. 

The School Reform Act sets out the criteria for members of the PCSB Board.  Rather than require that all Baord member possess the same background, the SRA requires a diversity of experience.   There is one of the enumerated criteria in the SRA – relating to “the operation of a financially sound enterprise, including leadership and management techniques …” – that applies to Richarda Ganjam.

In her current role at Accenture, Mrs. Ganjam has been heavily involved with KIPP DC’s Future Focus program that mentors students across the KIPP network with career management, presentation skills, financial literacy, critical thinking and more. The program is part of Accenture’s global corporate citizenship initiative, which equips students with the skills to reach their goals of college graduation and successful careers.     

As a mother of three, the parent of charter and DCPS students, and long time resident of the District, she is passionate about improving her community by improving its schools.    

I ask for your support in ensuring that the Public Charter School Board remains a high-quality organization with a fully functioning board that can continue to serve the District’s families and students.

I would like to close by saying that the Board, and I personally, look forward to continuing to working closely with you and your staff on the critical educational issues facing our city.

Thank you.