Tree of Life PCS to Close, New Board Chair Elected

Board Votes to Not Renew Tree of Life PCS’ Charter

During the February 23 Board Meeting, PCSB’s Board voted 6-0 to not renew the charter of Tree of Life Public Charter School.  Charters are granted for 15-year terms and thus Tree of Life PCS’ charter will close at the end of the 2014-15 school year.

Although Tree of Life PCS requested that its charter be renewed only for grades PK3 to 2, PCSB staff found that the school’s renewal application failed to meet charter goals and academic achievement expectations.  As a result, the Board determined that Tree of Life’s renewal application charter does not meet the standard set forth in the School Reform Act. 

Tree of Life PCS opened in 2000 under a charter approved by PCSB.  The school currently serves more than 300 students in grades PK3 to 8.

The Board heard from Tree of Life parents and teachers on February 11 at the informal hearing.    

Board Elects New Board Chair, Vice Chair

The Public Charter School Board elected Vice Chair Darren Woodruff, Ph.D as the new Chair of the Board and Board Member Don Soifer as Vice Chair of the Board. Mr. Woodruff will replace departing Chair, John “Skip” McKoy, whose term ends later this year.  McKoy joined the Board in December 2008. 

“I would like to thank Skip McKoy for his guidance and leadership throughout his tenure as Chair of the Board since 2013 and as an active member of the Board since 2008” said Darren Woodruff, newly elected Board Chair. “I look forward to working with our staff and school leaders to continue our focus on providing quality educational options for DC families.” Dr. Woodruff has been a board member since 2008. 

“Throughout my tenure on the PCSB Board, I’ve been guided by a commitment to hard work, fairness, consistency and transparency. The public and our public charter school community can expect the same high standards as in the past.  My door is always open for those who want to reach out with questions or concerns,” said Don Soifer.   

View previous board meeting updates here.  

This brief highlights the discussions and motions made at the February public hearing and board meeting.