May 19, 1999

Constance Newman
DCFRMAA
One Thomas Circle, NW Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005

Dear Ms. Newman:

We were very pleased with the pledge you made in your recent testimony before the House D.C. Subcommittee to help overhaul the deeply flawed process for disposing of excess property in the DCPS system. Regrettably, the situation is even worse than it was when we met with you in March. A recent change in the DCPS Realty Office has left several charter schools in need of immediate assistance and underscored the need to develop a sensible disposition policy as swiftly as possible.

As you know, turnover this year at the DCPS Realty Office has caused considerable uncertainty and hardship for charter schools that have been forced to negotiate for DCPS property -- either because the schools opened in DCPS property with the understanding they would be able to renew short-term leases; or because (in the case of two new schools) they have had neither the time nor the resources to make other arrangements. Most of these schools reached agreements of varying degrees of formality some time ago, with different DCPS personnel. But several leases have still not been signed, and time is running out.

Two weeks ago, the Superintendent gave control of realty decisions to Jerry Cook, whom we understand to be a federal employee "on loan" from the Treasury Department. Mr. Cook has re-opened many of the questions that charter leaders thought were settled, insisting in some cases on much higher lease costs and in others dismissing understandings that had been reached before his arrival. Most disturbingly, he has told charter school leaders that his goal is to maximize profits, regardless of the fact that charter schools are public schools that have been given a legal preference in leasing surplus public school property.

We urge you to do whatever you can to help these schools secure adequate facilities under reasonable terms. Hundreds of students will suffer if their schools must move to cramped quarters, spend money earmarked for academics to lease space, or even be forced to close. In addition, the schools at risk have negotiated in good faith for extended periods of time. If any is allowed to fail for want of a building, when so many sit vacant, the public will have the right to wonder if D.C. government in general and the school system in particular have really become more responsive and trustworthy.

While the most immediate concern is to help the schools that currently are in limbo, a revamped disposition policy must be put in place by the fall in order to avoid the scramble for facilities that has characterized the last two years. When it comes to school buildings, we trust that you, like the public, disagree with Mr. Cook: the top priority is not profits, but neighborhoods and education. D.C.'s public charter schools already have rehabilitated a number of decaying school buildings, bringing new life to the neighborhoods in which they sit and renewed hope to hundreds of families. If not prevented, the charter schools will rehabilitate a good number more.

We look forward to working with you to create a policy that benefits both the public charter schools and the District as a whole.

Sincerely,

Robert I. Cane

Acting Chair