Committee of the Whole Student Public Hearing on Education - March 19, 2026

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 4:05 PM, the Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee of the Whole, chaired by Phil Mendelson, held a public hearing in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building. The hearing provided a venue for D.C. students to share their views on public education, including curriculum, school culture, mental health support, enrichment opportunities, and challenges they face. With 185 registered witnesses and a three-minute limit per speaker, Chair Mendelson noted the hearing could run over nine hours and therefore limited follow-up questions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mental Health Resources & Support – Multiple students (Caden Leatham, Navee Williams, Taylor Rideout, Rain Torian, Helen Albert, Serena Lynn, Harmony Kenny, Sophia Argueta, Leah Simmons, Elisabeth Meader) testified that mental health services in schools are insufficient. They cited long waits for counselors, lack of full-time clinicians, and inadequate crisis support. Some noted that 65% of teens surveyed received no mental health support in school (Young Women’s Project survey). Recommendations included hiring more counselors, providing mandatory wellness protocols during testing, and creating designated quiet spaces.
• Transportation Barriers – Aidan Bernie (MacArthur HS) described unreliable bus service (D-94 and C-84) and Metrorail delays, requesting collaboration between DC Council and WMATA. Dylan Perry highlighted unsafe walking conditions during winter due to poor snow removal. Several adult learners (Elizabeth Lopez, Ada Ba, Claudia Sosa) asked to increase the adult learner transportation subsidy from $70 to $100 per month.
• Charter School Funding Equity – Justin Jimenez, Sariana Taylor, Odu-Akorian Salami-Arije, Violet Zhang Roy, Mason Sims, and others testified that DCPS receives at least $88 million more in non-formula funding (about $1,850 per student) than charter schools, creating a funding gap of up to $5.6 million per school. They urged the council to make charter funding fair.
• Academic Pressure & AP/IB Workload – Shaylin Clark (Eastern Senior HS) described overwhelming workloads in AP and IB programs leading to chronic stress, and recommended structured time-management classes. Others (Nora Barongo, Aliyah Payne) echoed the need for balance and better college preparation support.
• School Infrastructure & Sanitation – Athena Culver (H.D. Woodson) reported broken bathroom stalls, lack of doors, vermin, and nonfunctional water fountains. Karina Timbu and Rain Torian also raised sanitation issues. Chair Mendelson noted some problems may be management-related and offered to follow up with the Department of General Services.
• Phone Ban Policies – Several students (Rebecca Vega, Joseph Mansor, Harmony Kenny, Serena Lynn) argued that strict phone bans hinder communication with families and access to academic tools. They proposed allowing phones in pockets during class, with use restricted to passing periods and emergencies.
• Police in Schools & School Safety – Robin Rawlings (Luke C. Moore HS) called for police presence to deter fights and improve safety. However, Tayala Dawson (Anacostia HS) testified that the National Guard and police presence makes students feel criminalized and anxious.
• Sexual Health Education – Elisabeth Meader and Chima Ukobasi presented survey data showing only about 13.5% of students received adequate sexual health instruction (6+ hours), while 25% are sexually active but many lack STI testing. They urged requiring comprehensive sexual health classes.
• Food and Nutrition – Rohan Young (Banneker) criticized school lunches as incomplete and unpalatable, noting meals often lack protein and vegetables. Salon Rometo requested consistent vegan options for students with religious or dietary restrictions.
• Artificial Intelligence – Jalen Stevens and Eleanor Reinstadler discussed AI misuse in schools, suggesting improved detection systems and teacher-supported lesson plans to reduce reliance on AI for cheating.
• Adult Education – Several adult learners from Carlos Rosario Public Charter School and The Next Step Public Charter School (Francisco Hernandez, Ada Ba, Jermaine Ramirez, Isaiah Ramirez, Dean Ramirez, Hessler Mendoza) shared personal stories of transformation through adult education, asking for continued funding and increased transit subsidies.
• Low-Income and Criminalization – Karina Timbu testified that policies punish students living in poverty, pushing them toward suspension or imprisonment. She called for investment in underfunded communities.

Discussion Items

• Chair Mendelson commented on several issues: unreliable bus routes (suggesting school principal advocacy), poor snow removal (acknowledging enforcement challenges), and the need for better funding for out-of-school time programs (noting the council funds the program but the Deputy Mayor for Education administers grants). He also discussed school lunch quality and mental health training for teachers.
• Councilmember Lewis George asked students about positive after-school activities. Tayala Dawson and others suggested keeping recreation centers open later, providing more youth jobs, and reviving a Youth Advisory Council.

Key Outcomes

• Chair Mendelson committed to raising sexual health education gaps with the DCPS chancellor at their monthly meeting.
• He promised to follow up with the Department of General Services regarding broken water fountains and other infrastructure issues at H.D. Woodson High School.
• The committee will review testimony as part of its oversight of education agencies and budget formulation. The official hearing record will remain open until 5:00 PM on Thursday, April 2, 2026.