I often describe myself as Brooklyn born, Southern raised. I loved spending my younger years in a city that was so diverse and rich with culture, but what really influenced my path was becoming a military kid, albeit reluctantly. When I was in the third grade my mother joined the United States Army. At the time I could only see that decision as an inconvenience to my 8-year old world, a feeling that only grew as we began to move about every two years further and further into the Deep South.
Good afternoon. The time is now 2:07pm, we are in Room 123 of the John A. Wilson Building, and I am calling this additional meeting of the Committee on Education to order.
I’m David Grosso, Chairman of the committee on Education. I’d like to recognize the presence of a quorum. We have two items on our agenda today.
First on the agenda is Bill 21-361, the Youth Suicide Prevention and School Climate Survey Amendment Act of 2015. This legislation was introduced by myself and Councilmembers Allen, McDuffie, Bonds, Cheh, Nadeau, May, Todd, Silverman, and Chairman Mendelson.
Last week, we watched the nation get caught up in the Powerball lottery pandemonium. Office pools were created. Jokes were made about the probability of being a winner. Some had genuine hope that maybe this would be their lucky day. Many of these actions and reactions are not unlike what D.C. parents go through in preparation for the MySchool D.C. common education lottery. The anticipation is palpable the night results are posted online. Parents across the city are feverishly refreshing their internet browsers with the high hopes that their child “matched” to the public school or public charter school of their choice. And in that moment, when the results are revealed as a parent you feel like a total winner or a total loser.
Good morning. The time is now 10:00 am and I am calling this joint hearing of the Committee on Education and the Committee of the Whole to order.
My name is Councilmember David Grosso, chairman of the Committee on Education. Today is January 21, 2016 and we are in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building. We are gathered today for a hearing on Bill 21-508, the “School Attendance Clarification Amendment Act of 2015.” I introduced this legislation along with Chairman Mendelson.
Over the past year, the interagency Truancy Taskforce has been meeting to discuss ways to better streamline our approach to truancy and boost overall student attendance. We’ve evaluated data, researched best practices, reviewed our current laws, policies, and practices for attendance, and are close to agreeing to a robust strategic plan in this area.
This legislation amends the District of Columbia’s compulsory school attendance laws to make changes based on the interagency lessons learned over the past two years.
In addition to clarifying agency responsibilities and attendance reporting requirements, this bill would require schools to obtain a written explanation verifying the reason for an absence within five days after a student’s return to school and prohibit the suspension, expulsion, or unenrollment of a minor covered by the District’s compulsory attendance requirement due to an unexcused absence or late arrival to school.
This legislation also takes steps to decriminalize school attendance by amending the protocol for law enforcement officers who come in contact with a minor they believe to be truant and amending educational institution’s referral requirement for CFSA, Court Social Services, and the Office of the Attorney General after a minor accrues a certain number of unexcused absences.
This builds upon emergency and temporary legislation the Council passed earlier this year to address the unintended consequences of the 80/20 attendance rule, which has accounted for young people being referred to CFSA and CSS for educational neglect when in reality they have just been tardy.
As I have said before, chronic absenteeism and chronic tardiness are inherently different. They generally have different causes and students are in need of different interventions. The key word here is intervention. We know from data that introducing students to the juvenile justice system for tardiness or absenteeism is not an effective intervention. We also know that suspending or expelling a student for not showing up to school is not particularly effective in getting them to change behavior and actually come to school more often.
Students need to attend school daily in order to succeed academically, and this legislation attempts to better align our laws with this belief. I admit that this legislation is not perfect. In my ideal world, we would be getting rid of referrals to Court Social Services altogether in favor of effective intervention and diversion programs that has the capacity to serve the volume of students in need of those services. But, I believe this legislation presents a strong step in the right direction.
I want to thank you all for being here today. I will now turn to my colleague who is co-chairing along with me for an opening statement.
For Immediate Release:
January 19, 2016
Contact:
Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105
Grosso Introduces Bills to Expand Transparency in Government, Protect Student Privacy
Washington, D.C.— At today’s Committee of the Whole meeting of the D.C. Council, Councilmember David Grosso along with Councilmember Mary M. Cheh introduced the “Strengthening Transparency and Open Access to Government Amendment Act of 2016.” Grosso also introduced the “Protecting Students Digital Privacy Act of 2016.”
Thank you Chairman Mendelson. Today, along with Councilmember Cheh, I am introducing the Strengthening Transparency and Open Access to Government Amendment Act of 2016.
Since joining the Council of the District of Columbia, I have advocated for more openness and transparency in our government. It is my strong belief that an open and transparent government is more likely to be an effective and ethical government—a good government. When we open up the government for our residents to see, it increases confidence in our work, and lets the public highlight areas for improvement. Our Council and the D.C. government have been leaders in this area, with a long-standing and strong Freedom of Information Act and more recently the Open Meetings Act and the Open Government Office Act.
The legislation I am introducing today would strengthen all three of these existing laws. This bill codifies many of the open data practices already in use by our agencies including making datasets and information available proactively, and in accessible formats. This bill establishes in D.C. law the principle that if government information is deemed appropriate to share with one person under a Freedom of Information Act request, it should be shared with everyone and ought to be proactively published. The bill makes the Freedom of Information Act appeals process more objective by shifting that function to the independent Office of Open Government. The bill expands reporting requirements for agencies and the Council, while also allowing agencies more time to respond to requests.
The bill strengthens the Open Meetings Act by requiring that a public meeting is one where the public is permitted to be present, creating a complaint process for alleged violations, and a private right of action for residents when a meeting that should be open is improperly closed. The bill requires the Mayor to publish information about appointees to governmental boards and commissions in a centralized location and to collect demographic data about appointees. And the bill strengthens the Office of Open Government, which I think needs more resources even under its current role, which is why I recently asked the Mayor to include additional money in her FY17 budget for the Office. Having an open and accountable government is something we should constantly strive for in D.C.
Numerous advocates as well as the Office of Open Government helped me write this bill, and I am thankful for their efforts. I am also thankful for Mayor Bowser’s commitment to transparency, including the new initiatives she announced last week, which this legislation complements. I yield the remainder of my time to my co-introducer, Councilmember Cheh, and I welcome any co-sponsors.
Thank you Chairman Mendelson. Today, I am also introducing the “Protecting Students Digital Privacy Act of 2016.”
There are four main components to this legislation. First, this legislation requires that any contract or agreement between a local education agency and a student information system provider expressly authorize and require the provider to establish, implement, and maintain appropriate security measures to protect student data and personally identifiable student information and to comply with certain procedures with regard to accessing, analyzing, storing, or sharing that information.
Second, it limits an educational institution or a vendor that provides a technological device to a student for oversight or home use from accessing or tracking the device, and analyzing, selling, or sharing the activity or data, except in limited circumstances.
This bill also prohibits a school from requiring or coercing a student or prospective student to disclose the user name or password to a personal social media account, add school-based personnel to their list of contacts, or to change the settings that affect a third party’s ability to view the account.
Finally, this legislation would prohibit school employees from accessing or compelling a student to produce, display, share or provide access to, any data or other content stored upon, or accessible from a student’s personal technological device, even when the device is being carried or used in violation of a school’s policy, except for in limited circumstances.
There are some in the education space—schools and vendors alike—who have this notion that students leave their right to privacy at the schoolhouse door. That the only way to truly educate a young person is to have absolute control and constantly monitor their inputs and outputs. I simply don’t believe that to be the case.
Further, I do not believe that third party vendors or organizations providing technology or software to our schools should have unfettered access to sell, analyze, or share the data they receive from our students. This bill takes steps to put safeguards in place.
Now I must say, nothing in this legislation gives anyone a privacy right for online websites, accounts, or social media pages that are unsecured. It is not an invasion of privacy for an educational institution, a teacher, or anyone else to view material that has been voluntarily put on public display. And so even while I introduce this legislation today, I still want to advise the students who may be listening that discretion and a slow trigger finger remains wise.
I want to thank the ACLU for working with my office on this legislation. I look forward to a spirited debate on this issue. And I welcome any co-sponsors.
Councilmember Grosso and Councilmember Cheh introduced this bill on January 19, 2016.
By: Matthew Nolan, Intern*
Each year, many of us review our calendars eagerly anticipating federal holidays. When we were in school we looked to see if we had any days off during a particular month. Though Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of those days that we get off; we are often blinded by our excitement for a welcome respite that we do not reflect on the meaning and the legacy behind the day.
This year, January 18th honors, and celebrates Dr. King’s tireless efforts to advance racial and social equality. This day should reflect the ideals of service, courage, truth, and justice; the very ideals that have become synonymous with Dr. King. Here at Team Grosso, we strive to uphold all of these values, but that is simply not enough. The purpose of this day is to get everyone to pledge to these values through continued acts of service.
Although much around the world has changed, we still need to take many steps forward if we are to realize Dr. King’s dream. To honor his legacy, Team Grosso will participate in the Tenth Annual MLK Peace Walk on Monday, January 18th at 11:00a.
Team Grosso is challenging you to do something, not just on MLK Day but beyond, to uphold the ideals and values of Martin Luther King, Jr. Below, we have listed a few events taking place around the city, that we hope you will consider. Wishing you a safe and happy weekend!
Tenth Annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
9:30am-1:00pm
2500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE
Beautification Day at the MLK Memorial
Saturday, January 16, 2016
10:00a-1:00p
MLK Memorial
1964 Independence Ave., SW, 20227
MLK Day of Service to Clean up Pope Branch
Monday, January 18, 2016
9:00a-12:00p
Fairlawn Ave., SE & M Place, 20020
MLK Day of Service with City Year
Monday, January 18, 2016
8:00a-1:00p
Ballou High School
Hart Middle School
Simon Elementary School
*This post is part of an ongoing series of posts by Councilmember Grosso’s staff to support professional development. All posts are approved and endorsed by Councilmember Grosso.
Thank you, Chairman Mendelson. I would like to thank you for scheduling and holding this series of hearings. Your approach to constructing a witness list and timing the hearings on this bill allow everyone to hear diverse perspectives on the “Universal Paid Leave Act of 2015” and get us to the most informed place as we move forward.
At this point, we are all aware that, as introduced, Bill 21-415, “The Universal Paid Leave Act” will establish a fund to enable workers in the District of Columbia or individuals paying into the fund to receive some amount of paid leave for a qualifying event such as birth or adoption of a child, caring for a sick family member, or for self-care. The fund will be supported by payments from employers, the self-employed, and certain individual employees.
As Chairperson of the Committee on Education, I believe that investing in our families will benefit the lives of all of our residents and our city’s children. This bill will help workers take the time they need to support their families or themselves without having to make the hard choice between a paycheck and their immediate health needs. Numerous studies and data have shown that forms of paid leave are good for people of all ages and help to retain a strong and productive workforce.
The economic data we need in order to come to a final conclusion on this legislation is extremely complicated and how we apply those numbers is contentious. We are here today to get as much information as we can to inform the process and ensure that we are aware of exactly what the fiscal and economic impact of this bill will be.
I believe that the long-term effects will be good for our businesses and the economy of the District of Columbia. It will increase a person’s likelihood to return to work after a qualifying event, therefore decreasing the costs associated with employee turnover. It will make the District of Columbia a city where people want to work and have children, and it will give all of our businesses a competitive edge by offering progressive benefits packages at a lower cost than they can now.
During the drafting process and since the first hearing, my office and many others have been using tax data, employee numbers, the data from California, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, and the preliminary findings of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research which has been studying our current paid leave policies in the D.C. Government. The introduction of this legislation has enabled many of our fiscal partners, who are here today, to create more sophisticated models and deeper sets of numbers, so that we as legislators can determine what is feasible.
As written, the bill has over ten variables that if adjusted would lower the cost of the bill or the burdens on employers or residents. In our conversations about the proposed legislation, I have heard many of the concerns and believe there are shifts that can be made and we are analyzing all of them closely.
As the bill moves through the process at the Council, I am committed to continuing to work closely with our Chief Financial Officer, the Council budget office, Chairman Mendelson, businesses, advocates, and experts to complete the details of what options we have for providing the best amount of paid family and medical leave for the maximum number of D.C. workers.
We have a lot of work to do to get to a final piece of legislation that everyone can be proud of and take responsibility for and that will help all of our workforce and qualifying residents to take the paid time off that they need without creating a new and extreme burden on our businesses.
With that, I want to thank everyone who is here today or is submitting testimony for the record. I appreciate the time that you have all taken, regardless of your position on the bill, to study it and provide us with your feedback.
I look forward to the testimony and engaging in a robust dialogue with the witnesses. Thank you.
In December, following a Council hearing on street harassment, Councilmember Grosso sent a letter to the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities asking them to consider funding grants to artists to address the problem with public art. In January, the Commission's executive director responded. You can read both letters below.
Councilmember Grosso recorded a quick video update on his decision to oppose the “Marijuana Possession Decriminalization Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2016”--you can read more about his position after the jump.
This legislation amends the Marijuana Possession Decriminalization Amendment Act of 2014 to clarify that the prohibition of consumption of marijuana in a public space also includes private clubs. It also requires the Mayor to revoke any license, certificate of occupancy, or permit held by an entity that knowingly permits a violation of law concerning the consumption of marijuana in a public space.
I have been a strong proponent of marijuana decriminalization, legalization and regulation in D.C. since I became a member of the Council in 2013. I co-introduced the decriminalization law and actively supported the passage of Initiative 71. But I also introduced measures in 2013 and 2015 to tax and regulate the sale of retail marijuana in D.C. as I strongly believe that it is important for us to setup an equitable system governed by clear rules and regulations if we are truly to limit arrests and dissolve the underground market. As you may know, D.C. is currently under a congressional rider which prohibits the Council and Mayor on moving forward on any measures to tax and/or regulate the legal sale of retail marijuana. I strongly oppose Congressional leadership interfering with D.C.’s ability to govern itself and believe that at times it’s appropriate for us to defy Congress and do what’s right for D.C. residents.
I opposed this legislation because I believe it was a step toward doing just that. My interest in marijuana decriminalization and legalization laws has always been about social justice and ending the arrests and racial disparity in terms of enforcement. In the absences of available venues outside of a private residence for individuals to consume marijuana products legally, the disparity will continue. Further, this matter is currently being debated in the Committee on Judiciary via permanent legislation and I believe the Council should have the opportunity to fully debate before extending this emergency. I believed that my colleagues and I could work together with the Executive to craft an approach to this issue that is measured. Unfortunately, the bill passed today by a vote of 9-4.
I will continue to work on this issue as the full Council prepares to consider this measure at the February 2, 2016 Legislative Meeting. Thank you again for reaching out with your concerns.
Councilmember David Grosso announces the scheduling of a public hearing of the Committee on Education on B21-0350, “Substitute Teacher Leave Clarification Amendment Act of 2015.” The hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2016 in Room 123 of the John A. Wilson Building.
Councilmember David Grosso, chairperson of the Committee on Education, and Chairman Phil Mendelson, chairperson of the Committee of the Whole announces the scheduling of a joint public hearing on B21-0508, “School Attendance Clarification Amendment Act of 2015.” The hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 in Hearing Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building.
Responses from DCPS/DGS to a letter Grosso sent regarding the management and completion of certain small capital projects at School Without Walls at Francis Stevens, along with original letter.
Councilmember David Grosso's letter to Mayor Bowser on his priorities for the Fiscal Year 2017 District of Columbia budget.
As the year draws to a close, Councilmember Grosso provides a brief video update, reflecting on his work in 2015. It was his first year as Chairperson of the Committee on Education, and his third year in office.
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2015
Contact: Keenan Austin
(202) 724-8105
Grosso Condemns Congressional Meddling in Omnibus Budget Bill
Washington, DC -- Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) issued the following statement on the omnibus spending bill to prevent a federal government shutdown:
“It is disappointing that once again the District of Columbia loses at the hands of political gamesmanship in Congress. Congressional leadership has wrongly interfered with D.C.’s ability to govern itself by attacking the rights of women and families to make their own decisions about pregnancy and blocking the local elected officials from deciding our own drug laws including the legalization of marijuana,” said Grosso.
“It is past time for Congress to stop treating D.C. as a petri dish for members' ideas, and allow the residents to have self determination.”
For Immediate Release:
December 15, 2015
Contact: Darby Hickey
(202) 724-8105
Grosso Introduces Resolution Calling on Congress to Adopt Comprehensive Gun Control Legislation
Washington, D.C.--Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced a Sense of the Council resolution calling on Congress to act swiftly and decisively to protect all Americans from further gun violence by enacting sensible and comprehensive gun control measures. The resolution has full Council support with all members joining as co-introducers. In addition, the resolution demands that Congress refrain from adopting legislation that would restrict the District of Columbia government's ability to legislate the regulation of firearms.
"Yesterday marked the third anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre where a gunman tragically murdered 26 people in Newtown, Connecticut. Since then, Congress has failed time and time again to pass gun reform laws," Grosso said. "I introduced this resolution because Congress has a responsibility to protect all Americans. They can demonstrate their commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of all Americans by reforming the woefully inadequate gun laws that currently exist."
Everytown for Gun Safety reports that there have been 161 incidences of school shootings across the nation since 2013. In the past 349 days of this year, there have been 355 mass shootings in the United States.
"This is a call to action," said Grosso. "It is time for Congress to adopt practical and comprehensive gun control measures."
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