Board Takes Step to Close Washington Math Science and Technology PCS

Under its authority in School Reform Act (SRA), the DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB) voted 6-0 on March 12 to initiate revocation of the charter for Washington Math Science Technology PCS (WMST PCS) following a finding that the school is no longer economically viable. WMST PCS educates students in grades 9-12 and opened in 1998. This IB World School emphasizes math, science, technology and engineering.

At the March 12 emergency meeting the Board voted to initiate revocation proceedings; the school has 15 days to request an informal public hearing on the matter. If the school requests a hearing, both the hearing and vote will occur prior to the March 30 My School DC lottery results announcement. This proposed closure comes at a critical time for students who have selected WMST PCS in the 2018-19 lottery. Families who have selected WMST PCS in the lottery will have until Thursday, March 15 to reorder their school preferences. My School DC notified all families that selected WMST PCS.  

To minimize disruption to the roughly 200 students currently attending WMST PCS, DC PCSB is willing to loan the school sufficient cash to continue to operate through the end of the school year.

Should the board vote to close the school, DC PCSB enrollment specialists will work closely with school counseling staff to place the current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, as well as 12th graders who will need an extra year in a new school. The Board Materials are available online.