February 23, 2013 Truancy Forum

Hillcrest Civic Association sponsored a forum at Anne Beers Elementary school, with a panel of David Catania, chair of education committee, Adele Fabrikant DCPS, Office of Youth Engagement, Jeffrey Brown, Counselor of Anne Beers ES, Tamika Williams, parent of student at Anne Beers, Dr. Ian Roberts, Principal Anacostia SHS, Ms. Matthews, Randle ES PTA president, and Zoe Bush, Superior Court judge. The forum presented many interesting dynamics.

Passionate parents expressed concerns to the point of tears. The topics ranged from the crack epidemic, poverty, safe passages to school, social promotion, the new legislation, crime, citizen re-entry,, and agency collaboration.

The forum is promised to be one of many to improve accountability in the issue of truancy.

Notable forum attendees included Karen Williams, Ward 7 School board rep tentative, Ronald Moten, community activist, and Yvette Alexander, Ward 7 council member and member of the eduction committee.
D'Andre Anderson of the HCA Education committee moderated the forum.