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Parents and staff raise governance concerns at DC International; students stage walkout and urge oversight
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Summary
Multiple parents, staff and students told the State Board of alleged mismanagement at DC International (DCI)—including mass staff departures, a 94% no‑confidence vote in the executive director and a student‑led walkout of roughly 300–400 students—and asked the board to help coordinate with the Public Charter School Board to ensure accountability and protect IB programming.
Parents, staff and students reported a governance crisis at DC International (DCI) during the public testimony portion of the April 22 meeting, asking the State Board to follow up with the Public Charter School Board.
A parent who identified herself and provided written attachments said more than 125 faculty and staff have left, resigned or been dismissed since 2023 and that staff returned a ‘‘94% vote of no confidence’’ in the executive director; hundreds of students participated in a student‑led walkout the same afternoon, the parent said. Another parent and speakers raised concerns about teacher attrition, combined mixed‑level language classes, the non‑renewal of the IB diploma coordinator’s contract and alleged problematic financial decisions, including bonuses and a proposed $22 million sports complex.
Julie Cammarata of the DC Special Education Cooperative urged the board to ensure any practical‑studies diploma or flexibility intended to benefit students with disabilities does not create an inferior credential and recommended robust implementation and communication plans.
Board members responded that PCSB (the Public Charter School Board) is the authorizing body with oversight authority for charter LEAs but agreed to follow up: President Patterson said he would provide contact information and pursue follow‑up with PCSB members, and multiple members said they would ask staff to coordinate and document the concerns officially so they can be investigated.
Several speakers asked for readily accessible financial documents and clear record of decisions. The board encouraged DCI families to file formal complaints with PCSB and staff indicated the board will coordinate outreach to the charter authorizer to ensure the issues are reviewed.
