FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1E
Government of the District of Columbia
2605 Sherman Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: Commissioner Brad Howard, ANC 1E Engagement Secretary
www.anc1e.org | 1E01@anc.dc.gov
WASHINGTON – At its regularly scheduled public meeting on April 23, 2025, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E unanimously adopted Resolution #1E-2025-0403, titled “Resolution Urging Equitable Funding for the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP).”
The resolution urges the Mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, and education officials to ensure that funding under the District’s PKEEP initiative is distributed equitably, with a focus on expanding access for economically disadvantaged families and neighborhoods with limited early education options.
Resolution #1E-2025-0403 was co-authored and introduced by ANC 1E Chair Brian Footer (1E07) and Commissioner Brad Howard (1E01), and received unanimous support from the Commission.
“Every child deserves a fair start, and that begins with equitable access to early education,” said Chair Footer. “ANC 1E is home to Howard University and deeply rooted in the belief that education opens doors and changes futures for children form all backgrounds. “
“This resolution highlights a serious funding imbalance and calls on the District to target PKEEP investments where they are most needed—within underserved communities,” said Commissioner Howard. “We should prioritize our public investments in a way that seeks to overcome systemic failures, create level playing fields, and maximize taxpayers’ return. That’s at the heart of our resolution.”
The adopted resolution designates Chair Footer and Commissioner Howard to represent the Commission in all matters related to this action.
For more information, please contact Commissioner Brad Howard, ANC 1E Engagement Secretary.
Resolution #1E-2025-0403: Urging Equitable Funding for the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP)
WHEREAS, Access to high-quality Pre-K education is a proven driver of long-term academic and economic success, especially for children from low-income households and historically underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, ANC 1E includes families facing barriers to early education access and depends on community-based childcare providers that serve a wide range of household incomes; and
WHEREAS, The District’s PKEEP program funds free, high-quality Pre-K slots at community-based organizations (CBOs), but enrollment data shows it disproportionately serves higher-income families, with only 30% of enrollees classified as economically disadvantaged—compared to 45% in DCPS Pre-K and 54% in public charter schools; and
WHEREAS, ANC 1E urges that in a constrained fiscal environment, equity must guide funding decisions to support children and families with the fewest early learning options;
BE IT RESOLVED, That ANC 1E calls upon the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia to restructure PKEEP’s funding priorities to:
• Expand access in areas with unmet demand for early education services,
• Adjust enrollment incentives to better serve low-income children, and
• Require PKEEP-funded community-based organizations to prioritize economically disadvantaged families.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Commissioners Brian Footer and Brad Howard are designated to represent ANC 1E in all matters pertaining to this resolution. Should either be unavailable, the Chair is authorized to appoint another Commissioner.
Certification:
This resolution was adopted by a vote of 6-0-0 at the duly noticed ANC 1E public meeting held on April 23, 2025, with a quorum present.
ANC 1E 