And the final budget - which the DC Council voted to approve last week - is a TRUE testament to parents’ incredible advocacy - we are so proud to share the investments for #ParentPriorities in DC’s FY23 budget!
$150K for a comprehensive cost study on the SBMH program - now and in the future
Chairman Mendelson noted that the $150K will add to the study that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is already conducting around how to compensate school-based clinicians, and fund a cost analysis of the remaining areas parents advocated for, such as coordination of care and family engagement!
Funding for OST programs:
$15.3M for OST programs
The final budget protected Mayor Bowser’s proposed investment of an additional $15.3M to expand OST programs and extend OST grant opportunities!
Funding for equity:
$10.3M in new "at-risk" funding for next year
Announced by Chairman Mendelson, this includes $41M over the next 4 years and additional funding bumps for schools with higher populations of “at-risk" students!
To all the community partners, policymakers, and, of course, PAVE parent leaders we say THANK YOU! Thank you for amplifying your voice to advocate for the needs of our District’s kids and families. We know that the fight for equity in our education system and beyond does not end here - but for now we celebrate just how far we’ve come!
GETTING OUT THE #VOTE4DCKIDS: LEARNING ABOUT THE CANDIDATES
Just one day after the final FY23 Budget vote, parent leaders gathered in-person with the candidates for DC Council Chair for a #Vote4DCKids Candidates Forum!
Parents asked the candidates crucial questions about their #ParentPriorities and the candidates' plans to engage parents and caregivers in their decisions around education policies that impact and matter most to families.
A MAJOR thank you to all the parent leaders who turned out to lead such a powerful event! We also want to thank Washington Post journalist, Perry Stein, for her support moderating the event and the candidates, Phil Mendelson and Erin Palmer, for joining the forum to answer families' questions!
Now is the TIME to join parent leaders and COMMIT to #Vote4DCKids! Together, we can elect leaders who will build a District that will do right by our children!
NOTE: PAVE, as a 501c3, does not endorse any candidates
FREE food, childcare, and swag will be provided to all attendees!
Join us in the morning for a Resource Fair to meet with and learn about DC-based community organizations with opportunities and resources available for your family!
Inspired by the advocacy of parent leaders? Ready to join the powerful parent-led movement creating change in DC’s education system?
During the Summit, you’ll join parent leaders in powerful discussions that center on FIVE education issues on the ballot and then you will VOTE for your TWO issues! The winning issues will be the focus of PAVE’s policy agenda for the 2022-2023 school year!
If you have questions about the Summit, reach out to our team at organizers@dcpave.org. We can’t wait to see you there!
