Round Table on Nomination of Barbara Jones to DC State Athletics Commission – March 23, 2026
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Round Table on Nomination of Barbara Jones to DC State Athletics Commission – March 23, 2026
Council Chair Phil Mendelson convened a round table of the Committee as a Whole to consider PR 25‑549, confirming Mayor Bowser's nomination of Barbara Jones to the District of Columbia State Athletics Commission. No members of the public offered testimony. The nominee spoke in support of her appointment, and the Chair asked clarifying questions.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Barbara Jones (nominee) testified in support of her appointment. She emphasized the transformative role of youth sports in building confidence, teamwork, and academic performance, drawing on her own experience as a DC Public Schools student and athlete. She stated her qualifications: two bachelor's degrees (biology and public health administration), a master's in counseling, and an honorary PhD in humanities from St. Michael's Christian School. She expressed full commitment to serving on the commission, stating she is available as needed and would disclose any future conflicts of interest.
Discussion Items
- Chair Mendelson asked about potential conflicts of interest, outstanding liabilities (none), and time availability. Jones confirmed she has no outstanding debts to the District, federal, or other governments, and that she would notify the commission of any conflicts. She affirmed she can meet the time requirements.
Key Outcomes
- No vote was taken. The record will remain open until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026. The confirmation resolution is expected to be presented to the full Council on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
I'm calling order of this hearing or round table. This is a public round table of the committee as a whole of the Council of the District of Columbia. I'm Phil Mandelson, Chair of the Council and Chair of the Committee as a whole. Today is Monday, March 23rd, 2026. The time is 319 in the afternoon, and we are in room 412 of the Johnny Wilson Building. This hearing is being recorded and will be available on the Council's website, www.dccouncil.gov. The record in this matter will be open through Monday, this coming Monday. So the record will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30th, 2026. The subject of this hearing is PR 25-549, which is entitled District of Columbia State Athletics Commission, Barbara Jones Confirmation Resolution of 2026. The stated purpose of this resolution is to confirm the mayor's nomination to appoint Barbara Jones to the District of Columbia State Athletics Commission. The District of Columbia State Athletics Commission is an independent agency that oversees the District of Columbia State Athletic Association. The association is an association of District of Columbia Public Public Charter and Independent Schools, private and parochial. The Athletic Association participants share knowledge and best practices to enhance student athlete achievement through athletic programming and to provide quality life learning experiences. The purpose of this round table is to afford an opportunity for the public to comment if any member of the public wishes to on the fitness of this nominee, as well as for the committee to hear from the nominee with regard to her appointment. And with that, I'm gonna recognize Barbara Jones, who is the uh nominee. The floor is yours. Thank you. Oh, I'm mute. Microphone. Hit the button. Good evening, Chairman Phil Menison, members of the committee and staff. My name is Barbara Jones. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today, and thank you, Mayor Bowser, for nominating me for this appointment to the District of Columbia State Athletic Commission. I'm humbly grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony. When I received the call for the interview for this nomination, I was moved to tears. Recalling a moment when I was a very shy kid growing up. Youth sports are very critical because it goes beyond physical fitness. It reduces disease risks, improves academic performance, and teach life skills like teamwork and discipline. I went to DC Public Schools, DC Teachers College, which is now University of the District of Columbia. Participating in sport helped me to become the person I am today. I learned teamwork and how to communicate communicate effectively. Sports help lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression. It raises self-esteem, builds friendship, improves confidence. It helped me learn time management by balancing school with practice and disciplines. My grades improved, and I was on the honor roll. I ran track, played volleyball in elementary school throughout house school. I was a major at in college and became the captain. Being involved in sports helped me a lot. How sports help me. I always tell parents and students to participate in multiple sports. Multiple sports help with your motor skills, coordination, and speed. This is why I always advocate for kids to participate in sports. Playing sports teach the importance of hard work. No matter who you are, you'll you'll um you excuse me. You work hard to become the best that you can be. It also teaches you to respect and accept others, including your teammates and coaches. Many athletes who experience hardship and misfortunes are now successful. You experience how to handle winding and losing. Overall, participating in sports provides structure, environment of kids to build confidence, transition to healthy adults.
openpublica.com