Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital has been at the forefront of the movement to uplift DC Community Schools in partnership with Empower Ed, the Latin American Youth Center, Mary’s Center, and the Washington Teachers Union.
On March 13, these organizations united in a powerful rally at the John A. Wilson Building, amplifying the call to protect critical funding for DC schools. The event featured inspiring remarks from key leaders, including Ed Goldstein, Executive Director of Empower Ed; Dr. Rustin Lewis, Executive Director of Communities In Schools; Adonis Garcia, Site Coordinator at Communities In Schools; Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons, President of the Washington Teachers Union; Dr. Jacque Patterson, President of the State Board of Education; Eboni-Rose Thompson, Vice President of the State Board of Education; Councilmember Brianne Nadeau; and Ricardo Garcia, Coordinator at Tubman Elementary. Several students also took the stage, lending their voices to this urgent cause.
This rally, planned months in advance, is a powerful response to Congress’s attempt to cut $1 billion from DC’s budget—critical funds generated by local tax dollars that sustain our schools. The potential loss of $350 million threatens to result in teacher furloughs and the loss of critical student services like special education and mental health support in the middle of the school year and into the future.
Dr. Lewis said, “…By overcoming these barriers [food insecurity, homelessness, academic performance barriers, and mental health issues], teachers can teach, students can learn, chronic absenteeism rates decrease, and public safety improves. The true Return on Investment for our District and our nation lies in our commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Adonis Garcia, a former CIS student and now a dedicated CIS Site Coordinator, embodies this vision.”
Mr. Garcia’s comments echoed Dr. Lewis, “I am living proof of the impact CIS can have on an individual. As a student, I had a CIS site coordinator who guided, supported, and believed in me. That support system helped me achieve what I consider success. More than that, CIS gave me a community that shaped me into the person I am today. For many bilingual students, CIS is more than just a program; it is a lifeline. It provides access to essential resources and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. This work is not just important—it is essential. “