Lynn Jennings

Where Jennings stands

What top two issues motivate you to serve on the State Board of Education?

Two issues motivate me most. First, ending chronic absenteeism. Too many DC students are missing too much school. We need to address the reasons why, including transportation, safety, health, and whether students feel connected to school. I've worked nationally on this issue and helped bring DC into an effort to cut chronic absenteeism in half. Second, every Ward 5 student deserves a strong, safe public school close to home. Ward 5 students have some of DC's longest school commutes, while families are also raising concerns about ICE and National Guard activity near schools. Families shouldn't have to travel across the city to find what their children need, and every child should be able to learn without fear.

How do you intend to hear from, respond to, and balance the needs of students, parents, and teachers?

I will not wait until a decision is about to be made to ask students, families, and educators what they think. I will hold regular listening sessions, meet people in their schools and communities, and use both data and lived experience to guide my work. When perspectives differ, I will be transparent about what I heard, look for common ground, and explain how community input shaped my position. I also want students to have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their education. My job is to bring people to the table early, listen carefully, and make sure their voices matter.

If yes, do your school-aged children attend DC Public Schools/DC Public Charter Schools? Why or why not?

No. Our sons previously attended DCPS, including John Burroughs Elementary, and a DC public charter school. Like many parents, we have made decisions about their education based on what each child needed at different stages, including during the disruption of the pandemic. Today, they attend a private school where they have found the combination of academics and athletics that works for them. Our experience navigating DC's schools has reinforced my commitment to excellent neighborhood public schools in Ward 5, with strong academics, arts, athletics, and other opportunities that keep students engaged.