COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, nw
Washington, D.C. 20004
Statement of Introduction
Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025
January 17, 2025
I am proud to introduce the Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025 along with
Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George, Anita Bonds, Brianne K. Nadeau, and Matthew Frumin.
This measure was initially introduced in Council Period 25.
This legislation would require the Public Charter School Board, in coordination with the Office of
the State Superintendent of Education, 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 causing significant disruptions in students' education. These disruptions not
only displace students from their school communities but also negatively impact their academic
progress and well-being. Such failures undermine public trust in schools and in government, and lead
to uncertainty about schools’ ability to provide consistent, high-quality learning environments. This
legislation offers a solution to 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 and school budgeting practices.
Several jurisdictions have acted to improve charter school governance by codifying board member
training requirements. Florida mandates training within 90 days of charter approval that covers 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, and 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 would 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.
Christina Henderson Committee Member
Councilmember, At-Large Facilities
Chairperson, Committee on Health Human Services
Transportation and the Environment
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Councilmember Janeese Lewis George Councilmember Christina Henderson 2
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Councilmember Anita Bonds Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau 6
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Councilmember Matthew Frumin 10
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A BILL 16
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 21
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To amend the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 to require members of a Board of 25
Trustees of a public charter school to complete training programs on best practices for 26
school board governance. 27
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 29
act may be cited as the “Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025”. 30
Sec. 2. Section 2214 of the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995, approved 31
April 26, 1996 (110 Stat. 1321-107; D.C. Official Code § 38-1802.14.), is amended by adding a 32
new subsection (k) to read as follows: 33
“(k) School governance mandatory training. – Beginning in School Year 2026-2027, 34
the Public Charter School Board shall, in coordination with the Office of the State 35
Superintendent, offer a no-cost training program for newly elected or appointed members of a 36
Board of Trustees of a public charter school. This training shall be completed within 90 days of a 37 2
member's election or appointment and repeated annually. The training shall include, at a 38
minimum, the following; 39
“(1) Instruction and academic programs; 40
“(2) Personnel; 41
“(3) Fiscal Management; 42
“(4) Operations; 43
“(5) Governance; 44
“(6) Responsibilities under Federal and District law and regulation; and 45
“(7) Any relevant changes to Federal and District law and regulation.”. 46
Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement. 47
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal 48
impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, 49
approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a). 50
Sec. 4. Effective date. 51
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the 52
Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), and a 30-day period of congressional review 53
as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 54
24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)). 55