COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, nw
Washington, D.C. 20004
Christina Henderson Committee Member
Councilmember, At-Large Hospital and Health Equity
Chairperson, Committee on Health Judiciary and Public Safety
Transportation and the Environment
Statement of Introduction
Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2024
December 2, 2024
Today, I am proud to introduce the Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2024, along with
Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George and Anita Bonds. This legislation would require the Public
Charter School Board (PCSB), in coordination with the Office of the State Superintendent of
Education (OSSE), to offer a no-cost training program for newly elected or appointed members of a
public charter school’s Board of Trustees. This training must be completed within 90 days of a
member’s election or appointment, repeated annually, and include critical topics such as instruction
and academic programs, personnel management, fiscal management, operations, governance, and any
relevant changes to federal and District laws and regulations.
Effective governance is essential to the success and sustainability of charter schools. In the District,
governance lapses—particularly in financial management—have jeopardized the stability of schools,
leading to closures and significant disruptions in students' education. These disruptions not only
displace students but also create long-term instability, impacting their academic progress and well-
being. Such failures undermine public trust and prevent schools from providing consistent, high-
quality learning environments. This legislation addresses these challenges by requiring
comprehensive training for all new and returning board members, equipping them with the tools and
knowledge necessary to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities and promote effective governance
practices.
Several jurisdictions have recognized the need for stronger charter school governance by requiring
board member training. Florida mandates training within 90 days of charter approval, covering best
practices, compliance with public records laws, and state regulations on finance, facilities, and
operations. Nevada requires board members to sign affidavits affirming their understanding of roles
and responsibilities, while New Jersey mandates legal training for new board members and annual
governance training for all members. These examples underscore the importance of equipping charter
boards with the tools needed for effective oversight—a step the District should take with this
legislation.
I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to ensure charter school boards in the District
are equipped with the training and resources needed to govern effectively, maintain financial
accountability, and deliver quality education.
 1 ______________________________ ______________________________
2 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George Councilmember Christina Henderson
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7 Councilmember Anita Bonds
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13 A BILL
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18 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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22 To amend the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 to require members of a Board of
23 Trustees of a public charter school to complete training programs on best practices for
24 school board governance.
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26 BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
27 act may be cited as the “Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2024”.
28 Sec. 2. Section 2214 of the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995, approved
29 April 26, 1996 (110 Stat. 1321-107; D.C. Official Code § 38-1802.14.), is amended by adding a
30 new subsection (k) to read as follows:
31 “(k) School governance mandatory training. – Beginning in School Year 2025-2026,
32 the Public Charter School Board shall, in coordination with the Office of the State
33 Superintendent, offer a no-cost training program for newly elected or appointed members of a
34 Board of Trustees of a public charter school. This training shall be completed within 90 days of a
35 member's election or appointment and repeated annually. The training shall include, at a
36 minimum, the following;
37 “(1) Instruction and academic programs;
38 “(2) Personnel;
39 “(3) Fiscal Management;
40 “(4) Operations;
41 “(5) Governance;
42 “(6) Responsibilities under Federal and District law and regulation; and
43 “(7) Any relevant changes to Federal and District law and regulation.”.
44 Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement.
45 The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal
46 impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975,
47 approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a).
48 Sec. 4. Effective date.
49 This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the
50 Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), and a 30-day period of congressional review
51 as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December
52 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)).