Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Coffee & Networking 9:30 AM
Program 10:00 – 12:00 PM
MLK Library – 5th Floor Auditorium
901 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Join the D.C. Policy Center in-person on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at MLK Library’s 5th floor auditorium for the release of our seventh annual State of D.C. Schools report. The report presents a systemwide overview of public education in the District of Columbia. State of D.C. Schools, 2024-25 focuses on a meaningful step forward in D.C.’s public schools with several key wins including increased enrollment, sustained teacher retention rates, and higher learning outcomes in the midst of federal shifts of increased immigration enforcement, uncertainty around funding, and higher unemployment.
The event will begin at 9:30 AM with coffee and networking, with the program starting at 10 AM.
Program
Welcome
Yesim Sayin, Executive Director, D.C. Policy Center
Opening remarks
Paul Kihn, Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)
Introduction to report
Chelsea Coffin, Deputy Director, D.C. Policy Center
Panel discussion
Hannah Mason, Senior Education Research Analyst, D.C. Policy Center (Moderator)
Dr. Antoinette Mitchell, Superintendent, Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE)
Dr. Drewana Bey, Deputy Chancellor of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)
Denise Forte, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), EdTrust
Shannon Hodge, Chief Executive Officer, KIPP DC Public Schools
LaSheema Burnett, Ward 8 Parent Leader, PAVE (Parents Amplifying Voices in Education)
Student remarks
Meklit Habteab, Mikva Challenge Representative & High School Student
Closing remarks
Matthew Klein, Chairman, Akridge & D.C. Policy Center Board of Directors
Data walk and adjourn