The chairman of the D.C. Public Library Board says he is prepared to resign if the City Council forges ahead to name a new library in honor of the late William O. Lockridge, a former school board member.
John W. Hill Jr., who has served as a library trustee since 2004, did not provide a resignation date but said Council's intent to put Lockridge's name on the library in Southwest must pass a second and final reading, according to a published report. The report also states it would be unlikely for the measure not to pass, considering that 11 of the 13-member governing body already support the honoring of Lockridge who died in January 2011.
"I just can't be there to cut a ribbon on this library," Hill said in an interview. "It's just so difficult to imagine being in that position, especially with what I know to be absolutely true about this individual."
Meanwhile, the library is tentatively slated for opening early next year.
WASHINGTON, D. C . – In a Dec. 9 hearing chaired by At-Large Councilmember Vincent B. Orange, it was revealed that District agencies did not expend the required $440 million for Fiscal Year 2011 with the certified small business enterprise ("CSBE") community as required by D.C .law. City Auditor Yolanda Branche revealed only $50 million was spent with the CSBEs in fiscal year 2011.
In addition, the auditor revealed that the law required District agencies to spend approximately $221 million with CSBEs in Fiscal Year 2010. However, only $103 million was spent with the CSBE community, resulting in a shortage of $118 million of expenditures for 2010.
The public hearing revealed serious weaknesses on the part of District agencies in using CSBEs to foster development of small businesses, hiring of District residents, increasing District tax revenue, economic growth, and compliance with D.C. law.
Perea Brown-Blackmon Surprised in Her Classroom
WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of outstanding teaching and professional leadership, both within and beyond the classroom, Perea Brown-Blackmon has been named as 2012 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year.
Brown-Blackmon learned of the honor Friday (Dec. 9) in a surprise classroom visit by Mayor Vincent C. Gray, D.C. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown, State Superintendent of Education Hosanna Mahaley, D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson and Deputy Mayor for Education De'Shawn Wright.
"Perea Brown-Blackmon is a shining example of not only how an exceptional teacher operates, but how exceptional teaching can be rewarded" said Mayor Gray. "I am proud that such a deserving teacher is receiving this honor to recognize what makes teaching excellent in our great city."
A Montessori specialist for grades 3-4 at Langdon Education Campus and a 2011-12 Rubenstein Award recipient for Highly Effective Teaching, Brown-Blackmon has been praised by parents and colleagues for her innovative teaching style, culturally relevant lessons and hands-on projects to stimulate classroom learning while creatively introducing young students to science, math, technology, writing and interpersonal communication.
She has taught at Langdon Education Campus for 17 years. During her tenure she has also served in varied roles, including Langdon cheerleading coach, step team advisor, mass choir director, lead teacher, and grade level chairperson.
"The 2012 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year Award validates the extraordinary sacrifices our teachers make to ensure student success," said Mahaley. "Perea Brown-Blackmon is a true ambassador for the profession and today reflects what teachers throughout the District can aspire to be."
Leslie Johnson, the wife of former Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, was sentenced in federal court on Friday (Dec. 11) for her role in the long-running "pay-to-play" scandal that landed her husband an 87-month prison term earlier in the week.
U. S. District Court Judge Peter Messitte sentenced Leslie Johnson, 60, who had briefly represented District 6 on the County Council, to one year and one day in prison and 240 hours of community service.
Many of her supporters felt that the sentence was too harsh and spoke of all the good Johnson has done in the community.
"I really felt as though she should not have received any time," said Abigail Parker of Upper Marlboro, Md.
The DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB) has selected Scott Pearson to serve as the organization's new Executive Director. Pearson, a District resident, brings impressive credentials to the position. He co-founded a charter management organization in San Francisco that serves low-income high school students throughout the Bay Area and, most recently, oversaw charter school programs at the U.S. Department of Education. His first day at the Board will be January 9, 2012.
"This was a very important decision for the Board, and I am confident that we have picked the right person for the job" said PCSB Chair Brian W. Jones. "Scott Pearson brings a unique breadth of experience to this position. He has a multifaceted perspective that has been shaped by his work in the public and private sectors, and at both the local and federal levels and he is committed to helping DC charter schools thrive," Jones said.
Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes (center) was awarded the D.C. Laymen of the Progressive National Baptist Convention's (PNBC) President's Award, Dec. 3 at the 39th Annual Fellowship Night Service. The award acknowledged Barnes for "being a voice and a light in the community and serving tirelessly with integrity." Also pictured here are, from left, Deacon Percy Jones, President, DC Layman; Rev. Dr. Morris L. Shearin, Sr., President Baptist Convention of D.C. and Vicinity; Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, Sr., President, PNBC; Barnes; Ben Johnson, Community Service awardee, and Rev. Louis B. Jones, vice president at-large, PNBC, at the ceremony held at Brooklyn Union Baptist Church in Northeast. /Photo by Roy Lewis
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