The Parent and Alumni Leadership Council (PALC) is an informal advisory board that advises Board Members, Executive Director, and DC PCSB leadership on policies, issues and topics related to public charter schools. PALC is comprised of parents that have a student in a DC public charter school or graduates of a DC public charter school. Members of the group act as a liaison between DC PCSB and the families of public charter school students and their respective schools. PALC meets bi-monthly throughout the school year with Board Members and DC PCSB Leadership. Members live in every Ward of the City and reflect the demographics of public charter school students.
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The DC Public Charter School Board's Parent and Alumni Leadership Council (also referred to as PALC) provides advice to DC PCSB regarding its policies related to public charter schools. The PALC offers members the opportunity to learn about the Board’s mission and priorities while encouraging parents to share information in their schools and communities.
Allison is a Ward 1 parent at Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS. Allison is a returning member of PALC.
Why serve on PALC: "I want to help improve public charter schools for all students and help ensure that parents can access the information about schools they need."
Most impactful school memory: "A science field trip to the Chesapeake Bay"
Andrea Jones
Andrea is a Ward 8 parent at KIPP DC, the Learning Center. Andrea is a returning member of PALC.
Why serve on PALC: "I am an advocate for inclusivity of children with disabilities in all spaces in the District, including creating safe spaces and support spaces for children in all charter schools."
CiCi Rivers
Carolyn (CiCi) Rivers is a Ward 8 parent at Friendship Tech Prep, KIPP DC and Digital Pioneers Academy. CiCi is new to PALC this year.
Why serve on PALC: "I want to serve on PALC to help assist and support the needs of the youth, the parents as well as the teachers. I believe that we all should have an understanding from both sides as well as the school board really understanding the issues that plague the inner city schools, neighborhoods and the backgrounds of the children. If you don't understand what demographic you are teaching or understand the children then that creates even more barriers and maybe unaware or unconscious bias."
Most impactful school memory: "One of my teachers telling me I would become a best-selling author in my adulthood."
Elizabeth Reddick
Elizabeth is a Ward 8 parent at Monument Academy PCS. Elizabeth is new to PALC this year.
Why serve on PALC: "Expanding my advocacy into new spaces. I want to inspire others to speak their truth and advocate for topics that are important to their communities."
Most impactful school memory: "The only time I got straight A's with no behavior issues was in 5th grade. My teacher asked us what one thing she could do to help us be better students and I mentioned giving me all the work for the year so I could do it on my own. I hated group work and lessons. To my surprise she abided... Soon school became fun because I started to engage because I wanted to. Incentives and bribes weren't really my thing, I was strong willed, so my desire for success had to be my own. I became more well rounded that year and heavily involved in clubs. I did practically every club because I had the time. I went from a "troubled student" to a productive student leader."
Kara Li
Kara is a Ward 1 parent at Global Citizens Public Charter School. Kara is new to PALC this year.
Why serve on PALC: "Our family is thriving as part of the Global Citizens community, our first charter school experience. I'd like to be involved in both supporting our GCPCS community and also learning about other charter schools in DC, helping all of them flourish and be as effective as they can be. I am also passionate about literacy and technology education and I want to help empower students of all backgrounds acquire the skills they need to succeed."
Most impactful school memory: "My first research projects in Mr. Sanders' 5th grade class made me realize that with a little curiosity and perseverance, you can open up new worlds of opportunity."
Rachel Tommelleo
Rachel is a Ward 4 parent at Center City PCS Brightwood and former Principal. Rachel is new to PALC this year.
Why serve on PALC: "Families play a vital role in the educational experiences of their children, and I am excited to serve on PALC to help ensure that family engagement and voice is prioritized for all students in DC Public Charter schools."
Most impactful school memory: My favorite memory from grade school is of my very loving 1st grade teacher who used to start each day by playing the guitar and singing with all of us. She brought joy to each school day and genuinely cared about each and every student in our class."
Rebeccah Gan
Rebeccah is a Ward 4 parent at Sela PCS. Rebeccah is new to PALC this year and ready to get to work on the committee!
Tunde Adepegba
Tunde is a Ward 5 parent at Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS. Tunde is new to PALC this year.
Why serve on PALC: "Public service to the community, particularly our young people."
Most impactful school memory: "My teachers – Mr. Damico and Mr. Dorfman."
