Testimony of Dr. Michelle J. Walker-Davis, Executive Director DC Public Charter School Board

Testimony of Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis, Executive Director 

DC Public Charter School Board Hearing on Academic Achievement Confirmation of Shantelle Wright 

Committee of the Whole 

March 6, 2025

Good morning, Chairman Mendelson, Councilmember Frumin, and members of the Committee of the Whole. I am Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis, Executive Director of the DC Public Charter School Board. Thank you for holding this hearing today and allowing me to testify remotely, in support of the renomination of Shantelle Wright.

DC PCSB has been very busy since Chair Wright joined our board two-and-a half years ago. We have worked diligently to shape and upgrade our academic accountability system ASPIRE, closed out the work of our first Strategic Roadmap, and have made changes to our financial oversight work. In addition, Chair Wright voted on policies to ensure families in the District have access to quality and equitable educational opportunities and has continued to center students and communities in her decisions. As an attorney and former school leader, Chair Wright has asked insightful questions to drive our work to more thoughtful outcomes.

I look forward to working with Chair Wright as she leads our board into the next phase of our work. As we intensify our efforts to improve academic outcomes and enhance financial stability, I am confident in Chair Wright’s leadership to advise us on policies that will strengthen board governance and reinforce fiscal responsibility. I am especially excited to have her insights as we work toward achieving the targets outlined in our Strategic Roadmap and shaping key DC PCSB policies, including sector planning.

Our mission, vision, and Strategic Roadmap put student success front and center, and Chair Wright embodies a steadfast commitment to students as a Board Member. Her commitment to improving students’ well-being is evident not only through her track record of founding and leading a public charter school in the District, but also through her volunteer work to improve the lives of families in DC. Chair Wright is a proud resident of Ward 8, and her pride is clearly reflected in her commitment to the betterment of her community and its students.

For these reasons, I ask that you vote to confirm Shantelle Wright to the Board. Thank you again for allowing me to testify before you today; I am happy to answer any questions.