Education

This emergency resolution amends District of Columbia school enrollment policies to ensure children who turn five before September 30 (but after their home state's cutoff) can attend kindergarten when moving to DC, and prevents families from being reported for truancy if children attend private or parochial pre-kindergarten programs. It specifically requires DC Public Schools to permit kindergarten enrollment for these students instead of forcing them into first grade, and stops the misapplication of truancy rules against children in quality pre-k programs. The resolution directly affects families with children in private/parochial pre-k programs and families relocating to DC during the school year. It addresses immediate policy changes to align with existing age cutoffs and prevent educational disruption for affected students.

This resolution approves a collective bargaining agreement between DCPS and the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) for approximately 5,400 teachers. It sets wage increases of 4% for FY2024 (as a bonus), 2% for FY2025, 3% for FY2026, 3% for FY2027, and 4% for FY2028, along with annual increases to benefits like optical, dental, and legal coverage. The agreement directly affects DCPS teachers represented by WTU and aims to address compensation and working conditions. The resolution designates it as an emergency to expedite approval.

This bill would require all public, charter, and participating private schools in Washington, D.C., to provide free breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks to every student starting in the 2025-2026 school year, eliminating current income-based eligibility requirements. It amends the Healthy Schools Act to mandate universal access, building on the District’s existing National School Lunch Program participation. The policy change directly affects all students in participating schools, removing barriers that previously left families earning above 185% of the federal poverty line without free meals. The legislation aims to reduce food insecurity and stigma while aligning with federal eligibility rules that now lower implementation costs.

This bill authorizes the District of Columbia to issue up to $675 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for Georgetown University's campus projects, without the District assuming financial liability. The bonds will refund previous District bonds used to fund specific university projects, including a new science center at 3700 O Street, renovations at law center facilities, and technology upgrades across multiple campus locations. The resolution explicitly states the District will not be liable for repayment, as the bonds are "without recourse to the District" and do not constitute a debt or pledge of the District's credit. This is a financing mechanism for Georgetown University, not a new public policy or service.

The Justice-Involved Youth in Community Act of 2025 creates a program pairing youth on Deferred Disposition Agreements (DDAs), Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs), or Consent Decrees (CDs) with "Trusted Adults" for support during their agreements. It directly affects youth in these programs - 443 were active in 2023 - with a focus on high-risk cases. The Trusted Adult provides practical help with school, transportation, healthcare access, and social services, while requiring monthly coordination between the adult, probation officers, and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to track compliance. The program limits initial participation to 50 youth and mandates that noncompliance still leads to prosecution under existing terms.

This bill requires all District of Columbia colleges and universities to implement specific protections and resources for students experiencing sexual misconduct. Key provisions include mandating a confidential resource advisor (CRA) at each institution to provide trauma-informed support, amnesty for students reporting misconduct related to minor policy violations (e.g., underage drinking), and annual mandatory training for all students on consent, bystander intervention, and reporting resources. Institutions must also establish minimum policy standards, provide trauma-informed training for staff handling cases, and allow academic accommodations for students reporting misconduct. The bill directly affects students - particularly women, transgender, genderqueer, and nonbinary students - by improving access to confidential support and clear reporting pathways.

This bill updates minimum salary requirements for early childhood educators in Washington, D.C., directly affecting child development facilities receiving funds from the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund. Starting January 1, 2025, facilities must pay assistant teachers a minimum of $51,006/year (for CDA credential holders) and lead teachers $54,262/year (for CDA holders), with higher rates for advanced credentials. The law establishes specific salary tables based on educator credentials and college coursework in early childhood education. These changes implement the "Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Program" to align compensation with qualifications.