For D.C.'s School Board
The nine who would play a key role in school reform

Saturday, November 1, 2008

SINCE THE mayoral takeover of D.C. schools, much has been made of the powers taken from the board. Overlooked are the powers the reconstituted board possesses -- its vital role in shaping academics and student learning. Voters who care about ongoing school reform should give careful attention Tuesday to their choices for the State Board of E ducation.

No longer responsible for the day-to-day operation of schools, the board was recreated to perform state-level functions. Instead of deciding which schools are to be renovated or how to assign principals, the board now sets standards for what students learn and who can teach them. By setting standards for what students should achieve in physical education and health, the board can help the effort against child obesity. By redefining teacher qualifications, it can enable better hiring. By spelling out graduation requirements, it can make D.C. students more competitive for college.

This year's election will mark the board's return to an all-elected status with single-ward representation and one at-large seat. Five incumbents are running unopposed: Te d Trabue for the at-large seat, Mary Lord in Ward 2, Laura McGiffert Slover in Ward 3, Sekou Biddle in Ward 4 and Lisa Raymond in Ward 6. They bring valuable experience to education reform, and their return bodes well for the board.

Ward 1 features a strong field of candidates led by lawyer and former educator Shelore C. Williams and Lillian Perdomo, director of a multicultural community service center. Either would be a fine addition to the board, but Ms. Perdomo gets the edge by virtue of her work to better involve parents in their children's schooling. She also would provide a much-needed voice for Latino students and parents.

Mark Jones, business owner and former political operative, is the best choice for the Ward 5 seat. Mr. Jones, with two children in D.C. schools and another who graduated from them, brings a parent's level-headed sensibility to education. He has a good knowledge of the community and how the District works. In Ward 7, Cameron C. Poles, a former teacher who works with a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk students graduate, would bring a wealth of knowledge to a board struggling with rampant truancy and high dropout rates. In addition to his work with Jobs for America's Graduates -- DC, Mr. Poles once taught in Ward 7 and has been involved in innovative programs to engage youths. With a son in a D.C. charter school, he knows the importance of school choice.

Longtime board member William Lockridge (Ward 8) should easily win election over three challengers. We have not always agreed with Mr. Lockridge (he was an ardent foe, for instance, of the mayoral takeover), but there is no denying his dedication to the schools and his passion to make them better. With 10 years on the board, Mr. Lockridge has institutional knowledge that can't -- and should not -- be replaced.