Acting DC Public Schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee spoke at a recent news conference celebrating the opening of a new child care center at Ketcham Elementary School in Ward 8. (Photo courtesy of DC Public Schools)

Greg Taylor: Ferebee is the right choice for DC schools

By Commentary On Mar 4, 2019 Last updated Mar 4, 2019

There is no national issue more critical in the African-American community today than improving the quality of education offered to our young men and women. Whether we’re talking about DC or Indianapolis, we know that if we do not prioritize preparing our youth for success as adults, then we have failed our youngest brothers and sisters.

In nominating Dr. Lewis Ferebee as chancellor of the DC Public Schools, Mayor Muriel Bowser has put forth a leader who understands this imperative and has a track record of education success for our community.

As a state senator who represents much of Indianapolis and who supported many of his policies, I greatly appreciate the work Dr. Ferebee accomplished in our city.

While we in Indianapolis are sad to see him leave, we must also reflect upon the stamp of excellence he left during his time here. Under Dr. Ferebee’s leadership, Indianapolis Public Schools led the fight to educate a new generation of students through innovative programs. These initiatives include establishing college- and career-themed academies in each high school. Not only did this empower students, but it also created active partnerships with businesses in Indianapolis, which resulted in more students having meaningful internships that build on their skills, interests and aspirations.

His leadership is a prime reason the state’s largest school district has made significant strides in the past five years. DC Public Schools has also made great progress in the past decade, and Dr. Ferebee is the right leader to continue building upon that success by charting new pathways to positive outcomes for students across the District and reshaping their lives and communities.

Dr. Ferebee’s tenure in Indianapolis was marked by distinction, collaboration and a degree of transparency never before witnessed when it comes to Indiana’s education districts. You can expect him to bring the same qualities to Washington. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for how he led Indianapolis Public Schools and how he represented our city’s robust and thriving African-American community.

I hope that in his new position, his legacy of creating innovative institutions, in which educators want to pursue careers and where students can access an education of the highest quality, continues for your community.

Greg Taylor represents District 33 in the Indiana State Senate.

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The DC Line welcomes commentaries representing various viewpoints on local issues of concern, but the opinions expressed do not represent those of The DC Line. Submissions of up to 850 words may be sent to editor Chris Kain at chriskain@thedcline.org.