For Immediate Release
Contact: Jesse B Rauch, Executive Director, 202.741.0884
DC STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SELECTS LEADERSHIP FOR 2015
Washington, DC – Last Wednesday, the District of Columbia State Board of Education (State Board) selected new State Board leadership, electing Jack Jacobson, the representative from Ward 2, to the position of President and Karen Williams, the representative from Ward 7, as the State Board’s Vice President.
Mr. Jacobson was elected to the State Board in 2012 following five years of service on the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission. Mr. Jacobson’s focus has been on raising educational achievement in the District’s traditional public and public charter schools, constituent services, public safety, and cooperation between District agencies. Most recently, Mr. Jacobson served as the Chair of the State Board’s Implementation Committee, where he oversaw the review and subsequent adoption of the District’s ESEA Flexibility Waiver.
Ms. Williams was also elected to the State Board in 2012 and has been an active member of her community. Ms. Williams recently retired from her position as President of the Hillcrest Civic Association, where she was a strong proponent of community's development east of the river, evidenced by the Hillcrest Civic Association's persistent involvement in the revitalization of the Skyland Shopping Center.
After taking office, Mr. Jacobson shared, “I look forward to working with all of my colleagues, as well as the community, our students, teachers, principals, and other stakeholders, to ensure that our education system is exemplary and that all students have the opportunity to receive an excellent education. I also look forward to strengthening the relationship between the State Board and the State Superintendent of Education, the Deputy Mayor for Education, the Chancellor, the Public Charter School Board, the DC Council’s Committee on Education, and all of our school leaders.”
Ms. Williams shared, “I am honored that my colleagues elected me to this position of leadership. I look forward to work with the newly elected President, Jack Jacobson, and the rest of the State Board of Education and other stakeholders, such as OSSE, DCPS, and the PCSB to improve educational outcomes for the children of the District of Columbia. My vision is to have every child being educated in our city, graduate career and/or college ready and prepared to be productive world citizens.”
Mr. Jacobson also thanked the outgoing President, Mark Jones, for his service. “Mr. Jones ably served this body, working diligently to support the State Board autonomy. Today, the State Board stands stronger now than it has even been before because of his leadership. I want to thank him for her service, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on the Board.”
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