Mayor Announces Long-Term Locations for Three Public Charter Schools

Remarks for Mayor’s Announcment on Long-Term Locations for PCS [As Prepared for Delivery]

Friday February 5, 11:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Ingenuity Prep PCS

What makes a good school?  For most of us we think of students hard at work.  Of teachers leading a classroom.  Of dedicated and committed leadership.  

All that’s important but there’s something else we need -- a building to house the students, teachers and school leaders.  A building that was built to be a school.

Many of our public charter schools have found innovative ways to turn warehouses and church basements into schools.   While we applaud their creativity, far too many public charter schools are educating students in buildings that were not meant to be schools.

So today’s announcement is an important first step.  It means that four public charter schools will be able to stay in the buildings in which they’re currently located.  Instead of the worry that comes from being in a year to year lease, they can instead plan for the future, invest in upgrading the buildings, and focus on what really matters: ensuring their students achieve.  And that’s good for everyone.

Letting public charter schools occupy unused buildings is a good thing.  It removes a neighborhood blight.  It saves the city maintenance money and generates lease revenue for the city. most importantly, it will ensure more families have access to choose the school that is the right fit for their child.  

Thank you Deputy Mayor for Education Niles for making this happen.  

And a special thank you to Mayor Bowser for your leadership.   

Not only is this an important step for these three schools but it’s a strong and positive signal to all the public charter schools in Washington, DC.

Thank you.

Read Executive Director, Scott Pearson's remarks as prepared for delivery.