Operations

Safe, Seen, Supported: How Our Review Process Shapes the Future of Learning: October 2025 DC PCSB Board Meeting Recap

As we shared last month, the Board will focus each meeting around a central theme that reflects our priorities. This month’s theme “Safe, Seen, and Supported: Centering Students and Planning for the Future” underscores a powerful truth: learning starts with belonging.

Board Chair Shantelle Wright reminded the audience that October Count Day is about more than numbers. “Every student counted represents a family that chose a public charter school because they believe their child will be safe, known, and cared for,” she said. “Enrollment is not just about filling seats. It’s about access and connection.” 

Executive Director Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis expanded on that theme, connecting public charter school reviews and renewals decisions directly to what students experience each day. “Numbers alone don’t tell the whole story,” she said. “They can’t capture whether a student feels valued, whether they have adults who believe in them, or whether they feel a true sense of belonging at school.” She shared the story of “Amir,” a student thriving because his school community provides a web of care from counseling and mentoring to nutrition and after-school support.

These stories, Dr. Walker-Davis explained, guide DC PCSB’s approach to accountability. DC PCSB’s ASPIRE System, adopted by two schools (KIPP DC and Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter Schools) this month, measures not just performance but growth, equity, and opportunity.

Dr. Walker-Davis emphasized that when students feel safe, seen, and supported, they thrive, and when schools are trusted and accountable, the entire sector benefits.

To see a list of board actions and watch a video of the October meeting, click here. ​​For recordings of all previous board meetings, visit our YouTube page.