Labor Goes Online and On-Air to Save School Reform

Saying that reform of DC public schools "has been hijacked by DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and his gang of outside consultants," the Metro Washington Council – in coordination with affiliates who represent employees in the DC school district – yesterday launched an E-Activist campaign urging City Council to support an alternative package of school reforms supported by DC unions when the issue comes up for a vote next week. "They want to close schools without public input, fire front-line employees without cause, and turn our schools over to outside contractors," says the campaign, which urges activists to email City Council members. "Mayor Fenty promised District residents inclusive change, but has now turned a deaf ear to the ideas and concerns of parents, community leaders and the city council, who all want better schools for our children." Noting that public opposition to Fenty's "decide-then-consult" approach to school reforms is growing daily, the campaign urges support for reforms "which respect the voice of the people and our elected leaders, while protecting the rights of school employees who do their jobs." The online campaign will be augmented by a radio ad blitz beginning later this week.