The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (“DME”) is currently in the process of completing its Boundary and Student Assignment Study. Staff for the DME have identified that Janney Elementary is predicted to experience future overcrowding mostly due to new housing developments going up in its current boundary area, which will increase the in-boundary student population.

The proposed proposed solution is to alter Janney's boundary area by expanding Mann’s. While this solution may help to avoid overcrowding at Janney, it has the potential of overcrowding another, along with other concerning impacts.

Overcrowding 

In spring 2023, DME commissioned a study conducted by Perkins Eastman, without engagement with Mann, and was the basis for revising Mann’s capacity number from 428 to 474 students (an increase of 46 headcounts). However, this study did not accurately reflect the teaching space available and the capacity number was revised to 451.

The DME has yet to adjust its Boundary recommendations given the latest revised Mann capacity numbers. However, it is safe to assume that the initial Boundary recommendations which would have put Mann at “just over optimal”, would in fact be exacerbated and put the Mann utilization rate at between “over optimal” to “high” - in turn, avoiding overcrowding from one school to another.

Mann does not currently have the resources or facilities to support the new capacity levels proposed. Mann only has one spare classroom, and it is unlikely that a Boundary change will lead to the addition of a classroom, but more likely, would increase several class sizes.

Walkability / Traffic

The Boundary change would impact the walkability to Mann and an increase in headcount would put added pressure and car traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Due to the schools location, Mann does not have the space to allow for a car-line for drop-off / pick-up, causing driving and parking along the perimeter of the school a challenge already. Increasing the headcount by families unlikely able to walk to and from school will only add to the traffic and safety concerns we are already experiencing, without a plan or resources for adequate staffing and safety measures. 

Diversity

The Boundary change may force Mann to reduce its numbers of out-of-boundary seats. Mann has traditionally prided itself on the number of out-of-boundary students it has welcomed to the school and the diversity it brings to the Mann community. 

Mann is committed to ensuring its students enjoy a diverse and enriching community, without compromising the quality of the education provided or the safety of students, staff, or neighbors. It is our strong assessment that expanding the Mann boundary, and thus increasing the enrollment number, would have a negative impact on our school.

In conclusion,

We are seeking a commitment from Boundary Study staff that they go back to the drawing board to find a solution to the Janney capacity issue without impacting Mann’s optimal utilization status, the safety of its students, families, staff and neighbors, all the while maintaining DCPS’s commitment to diversity and walkability.

We understand the DME plans to finalize its recommendations internally by February 6th. We kindly ask that you take action to help communicate our concerns to the relevant decision makers. We have drafted this petition that we ask you to sign and share with other parents and community members. We request your signature by February 2nd, 2024. We are notifying DME and our ANC representative of this action and will be sharing the petition with them in early February.