Oversight

Accountability Is a Promise, Not a Punishment: How DC Is Strengthening Oversight for Public Charter Schools

The September DC PCSB Board meeting focused on strengthening relationships between families, schools, and the broader community as we begin the school year. 

As we shared last month, the Board will focus each meeting around a central theme that reflects our priorities. Last night, we focused on “Fall into Accountability,” which reaffirmed our commitment to readiness, accountability, and where we’re headed with the ASPIRE System. 

Chair Shantelle Wright reminded us that accountability is not about “gotcha.” Instead, it is a guarantee that schools keep their promises to families and put students first, even in the face of the disruptions families are experiencing across our city.

Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis, DC PCSB’s Executive Director, outlined how accountability will take shape this school year through three core efforts:

  • Academic accountability: The launch of ASPIRE Adoption gives schools a choice—adopt ASPIRE as their charter goals or submit custom goals. Either way, every school will monitor, report, and validate ASPIRE results. This streamlines oversight and saves schools valuable time while keeping the focus on student outcomes.
  • Financial oversight: Strengthening standards to be transparent, fair, and sustainable over the long term.
  • Compliance monitoring: Ensuring schools uphold safety, governance, and student well-being requirements.

September is National Attendance Month, a timely reminder that showing up is the foundation of learning. Dr. Walker-Davis underscored the importance of attendance, noting that “showing up is the first step to learning.” While recent data shows that chronic absenteeism and truancy are declining, in-seat attendance dipped slightly last year. This year, DC PCSB will revise its Attendance and Truancy Policy to help schools identify and address attendance challenges earlier.

The evening’s presentation tied these elements together, showing how accountability—when done well—supports schools, protects students, and strengthens outcomes. The ASPIRE System is designed not as a punishment but as a constructive tool that highlights growth areas, celebrates successes, and ensures schools deliver on their commitments.

Our website contains a recording of last night’s meeting and the agenda and  decisions, HERE. For recordings of all previous board meetings, go to our YouTube page.