Students from Paul Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

Students from Paul Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

A recent report reveals stark disparities between parent contributions at D.C.’s public schools. The wealthiest DCPS parent-teacher organizations raise more than $400,000 per year — dollars that are funneled back into the schools for things like school trips and classroom aides. Other schools in the city don’t even have parent-teacher organizations. Kojo explores whether parent funding worsens the city’s educational inequities, as well as potential solutions, like the policy in Montgomery County, Md. that bans parent contributions from influencing school staffing.

Guests

  • Catherine Brown Vice President of Education Policy, Center for American Progress; @Catbrown66
  • Jonathan McHugh Former PTA Co-President, Janney Elementary School, Washington, D.C.; Vice-Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 3E

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