To: Vincent Gray, Mayor of the District of Columbia and Phil Mendelson, Chair, City Council
Reject Venture-Controlled "Public" Education in DC
Exercise oversight, investigate conflicts of interest, and stop government by venture philanthropy. Reject the Walton-funded "IFF Report" and organize independent study, planning and evaluation of DC's traditional public and public charter schools.
Why is this important?
Decision-making on the future of public education in my town is being handed over to outside interests who view charter schools as a lucrative “industry.” A Walton-funded plan, developed by a Walton-funded real estate venture, calls for closing or "turnaround" of dozens of DC public schools and using their property "as incentives" for outside charter operators, many funded by the Waltons. Public input has been relegated to a few neighborhood-based, summertime "Conversations," organized by a Walton partner. We call on the Mayor and the DC Council to exercise oversight responsibilities, investigate obvious conflicts of interest, and reject government by outside interests.
***Signing is not a vote for/against charter schools, for/against unions, or a statement about any particular reform agenda. It's a request that DC officials exercise responsible oversight before making drastic changes that will affect our entire city, not just school children and their families.***
Petition comments add to the power of this document. Non-residents of DC, particularly, are encouraged to comment with their signatures, so District officials will know why their actions matter beyond our borders.
Here's some additional background -- http://wp.me/p2zkS4-P
***Signing is not a vote for/against charter schools, for/against unions, or a statement about any particular reform agenda. It's a request that DC officials exercise responsible oversight before making drastic changes that will affect our entire city, not just school children and their families.***
Petition comments add to the power of this document. Non-residents of DC, particularly, are encouraged to comment with their signatures, so District officials will know why their actions matter beyond our borders.
Here's some additional background -- http://wp.me/p2zkS4-P