Farewell and Gratitude for Board Member Nick Rodriguez
Nick Rodriguez’s tenure on the Board has ended. While he steps away from his formal role, he remains a committed advocate for quality education in DC. Below, Nick reflects on his tenure on the board:
Today marks the end of my time on the DC Public Charter School Board. Serving since 2022 has been an incredible journey.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. We developed and implemented ASPIRE, a system that will be critical to maintaining the credibility of the charter sector and its commitment to school quality. We made difficult but necessary decisions on school openings, charter renewals, charter conditions, and closures. And we’ve started looking ahead—applying ASPIRE in upcoming reviews and planning for the sector’s future.
To the incredible PCSB staff: You are some of the most dedicated public servants I’ve worked with. Dr. Walker-Davis, your leadership through these times of change has been invaluable, and the city is fortunate to have you at the helm.
To my fellow board members: It has been an honor to serve alongside you. We haven’t always agreed - what board ever does? - but I’ve always known we share a deep commitment to students and families.
As the board moves forward, I hope ASPIRE is applied with rigor, collaboration strengthens across DC’s education system, and every decision remains grounded in what’s best for students.
Thank you to the city I love for the opportunity to serve. I’ll be cheering you on!
Chair Shantelle Wright’s made the following remarks:
Nick has shown tremendous dedication to public service in Washington, DC. Before joining this Board, he served as a member of the Boards of Capital City and Two Rivers Public Charter Schools, bringing a deep understanding of school governance to our work. More than that, Nick has worn many hats in his contributions to public education. As a parent of three children, he understood the importance of every child receiving a quality education first hand. As someone who conducted education research, he brought a data-driven perspective that has been invaluable in shaping our decisions. And as a charter school board chair and member, he has championed the important governance role that boards have in school accountability and student success. Nick, we will miss your voice, your thoughtful counsel and poignant questions. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank you for your dedication and wish you the very best. We have no doubt that you will continue to serve students and communities wherever you go.
Executive Director Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis further recognized Nick’s contributions to the Board:
As a parent of three children, including a child with special needs, Nick so well understands the challenges that many families in our city face. He has spoken often about the critical services provided by Early Stages, Strong Start, and DCPS, and how different parts of our school sector can - and should work together - to better support students and families. He consistently brought these insights into our discussions, ensuring that our decisions remained grounded in the real experiences of families in Washington, DC. His commitment to equity, excellence, and strong governance has strengthened our Board’s work in meaningful ways. Nick, on behalf of the professional staff, thank you for your dedication, passion, and leadership. You will be missed, but your impact will remain.
As his time on the Board comes to an end, Nick reflects on the development of the ASPIRE framework and its role in improving the charter sector’s accountability. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the broader DC education system and urges his colleagues to continue prioritizing student outcomes through data-driven decisions and a commitment to equity.