Press Release: Dr. Michelle J. Walker-Davis to Lead DC Public Charter School Board

News Release — DC Public Charter School Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2020

Experienced in school administration, educational policy, nonprofit management, community outreach, and more

Washington, DC —- Rick Cruz, Chair of the DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB), announced today that education leader Michelle J. Walker-Davis, Ed.D. will be DC PCSB’s new Executive Director. Dr. Walker-Davis brings over 20 years of deep expertise in school administration, education policy, nonprofit management, and community outreach. She replaces outgoing Executive Director Scott Pearson.

“Before releasing a job description for executive director, we sought input from a broad group of DC voices, including families, DC PCSB staff, teachers, principals, charter school leaders, elected officials, community groups, and education leaders of the city,” said Mr. Cruz. “Michelle Walker-Davis meets the qualifications we heard time and time again including education experience, knowledge of DC, excellent manager. She is an equity-focused, team leader who could collaborate and partner with DCPS.”

“As a parent of school-aged children, I know from experience that most parents aren’t choosing between traditional and public charter schools,” said Dr. Walker-Davis. “Parents want schools that can successfully and effectively educate their children — schools that fit different learning styles, cultures, and interests.”

Dr. Walker-Davis spent seven years early in her career working in the District on education. She was the senior advisor on education to former Mayor Anthony Williams, chief of strategic planning and policy for DCPS, and worked in the District’s Office of Budget and Planning.

A first-generation African-American of Caribbean descent, Dr. Walker-Davis is currently the Executive Director of Generation Next, a coalition of civic, business, and education leaders from across Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN, dedicated to closing achievement and opportunity gaps. The organization uses rigorous data analysis and community engagement to identify what works and replicate the most promising practices.

Prior to Generation Next, Dr. Walker-Davis was for nine years with the St. Paul, MN Public Schools – a culturally diverse, urban school district of 39,000 students and 6,500 employees. She left there as its chief executive officer where she served as second-in-command to the superintendent and worked closely with the district’s elected Board of Education and local elected officials. Dr. Walker-Davis played a key role in the revolutionary redesign of the district as it addressed equitable education in the face of issues relating to race and poverty.

Dr. Walker-Davis has a Doctor of Education from Columbia University. She is a volunteer board member for several education organizations, including an international Montessori training center, regional affordable housing organization, and a local educational reform initiative.

Dr. Walker-Davis starts in late July, before the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.

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