In a heartfelt display of advocacy, students from Marie Reed Elementary School took center stage at the DC Public Schools Fiscal Year 2026 Public Budget Hearing, passionately urging officials to prioritize funding for essential programs that enrich their educational experience. The meeting, held on November 20, 2024, showcased the voices of young advocates like William and Lucy Santiago, who articulated their concerns about potential budget cuts that could strip away vital resources from their school.

William, a third grader, stood before the assembly, his voice steady yet filled with emotion as he called on Chancellor Farabee to adhere to the Schools First in Budgeting Law. "I expect the chancellor to follow the law," he stated, emphasizing the importance of equitable funding for programs like Food Prints, which teaches students about gardening and nutrition. He painted a vivid picture of the joy these programs bring, sharing how they learn math through cooking and enjoy the fruits of their labor. "I would be very, very sad and disappointed if we didn't have any money to support Food Prints next year," he lamented, highlighting the broader implications of budget cuts on student engagement and learning.

Lucy, also a student at Marie Reed, echoed these sentiments, expressing her worries about losing teachers and programs that foster a supportive learning environment. "I'm here today because I'm worried about the programs that will be cut out of our school," she said, referencing the impact of last year's budget constraints on essential resources like educational apps and social-emotional support teachers. Her plea for funding was underscored by a desire for enriching field trips that enhance classroom learning, such as visits to the African American History Museum.

The meeting also featured Kimberly Summey, an athletic trainer with over three decades of experience, who raised alarms about the safety of student athletes in DCPS. She pointed out the alarming shortage of athletic trainers and the dire state of medical resources, urging immediate action to prevent potential tragedies. "Athletic trainers save lives," she asserted, calling for additional funding to ensure proper medical oversight during sports practices and competitions.

As the evening unfolded, the collective voices of students and educators painted a compelling picture of the urgent need for adequate funding in DCPS. Their testimonies served as a poignant reminder of the critical role that schools play in shaping not just academic success, but also the overall well-being of students. The future of programs that foster creativity, community, and safety hangs in the balance, as the decisions made by officials will directly impact the lives of countless children in the district. The call for action is clear: prioritize funding to ensure that schools remain vibrant places of learning and growth.