“As we begin the first board meeting of the year, our theme this month is: ‘New Year, Still Here for Students,’” Sandman said. “It reflects our renewed focus on oversight, access, and opportunity for all students. Through evaluating public charter schools, the Board fuels continuous improvement, and tonight, we take an important step forward with our first vote in this review and renewal cycle.”
The meeting marked the start of DC PCSB’s 2026 Charter Evaluation cycle, with early discussions signaling progress toward a more timely and transparent review and renewal process. DC PCSB Executive Director Michelle Walker-Davis noted that beginning these conversations earlier than last year reflects intentional system improvements.
“Tonight marks an important moment on our path to June 2026,” Walker-Davis said. “What’s significant is that these discussions are happening earlier than last year, reflecting our shared commitment to building a more timely, transparent, and reliable review and renewal system.”
The Board took formal action on two schools up for charter renewal or review. Members voted not to renew the charter of Shining Stars Public Charter School and placed the school in probationary status, subject to terms to be finalized by DC PCSB staff by Feb. 23, 2026. These terms will include specific state assessment proficiency expectations by school year (SY) 2027–28 and additional performance measures for SY 2026–27, adding more rigor to staff’s initial recommendation.
The Board also voted to continue the charter of SEED Public Charter School, contingent upon several conditions proposed by staff. These include a sustained reduction in safety incidents, improved data accuracy, and stronger documentation of support provided by The SEED Foundation. The school must also notify families of these conditions by Feb. 27, 2026, including the potential for closure if conditions are not met.
In addition, the Board read into the record the relinquishment of Capital Village Public Charter School, which will close at the end of the current school year in June. Members also approved charter amendments allowing several schools to adopt ASPIRE as their performance goals, including Community College Preparatory Academy PCS, Creative Minds International PCS, Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS, and Perry Street Preparatory PCS.
Together, the actions taken at the January meeting reflect DC PCSB’s continued commitment to accountability, transparency, and ensuring every student has access to a quality public charter school.
To see a list of board actions and watch a video of the January meeting, click here. For recordings of all previous board meetings, visit our YouTube page.