Amber A. Williams

Where Williams stands

Topic headings are Vote Book’s; quoted words are each candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Education

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

My top priorities are equitable opportunity for every student and strong schools supported by strong educators. A family's school choice should never determine whether their child has access to excellent programs, resources, or opportunities. I want greater transparency around disparities across schools and feeder patterns and stronger accountability for addressing them. I am equally committed to educator retention, wellness, and voice. My research focused on trauma-informed care, and I believe that when educators are supported, students are better positioned to thrive. Every child, in every school, deserves the opportunity to succeed.

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

My commitment is simple: listen early, engage often, and ensure people help shape decisions before they are made. I will hold regular Ward 6 listening sessions, visit schools, engage PTOs, LSATs, educators and student leaders, and provide virtual and multilingual opportunities for participation. Just as importantly, I will report back so residents know what I heard, what action was taken, and what remains unresolved. I do not see students, parents, and educators as competing interests. Strong schools require all three voices at the table, with decisions grounded in student needs, evidence, equity, and the realities of our classrooms.

Do you have school-aged children?

Yes. I am the PROUD mother of two amazing boys who attend a Ward 6 DC public school. Being a public-school parent shapes how I experience education policy every day—not only as an educator and policy professional, but as a mother who wants her own children, and every child in our city, to learn in a safe, joyful, challenging, and well-resourced school. Serving as PTO president at my children’s school has allowed me a space to advance those things from the closest lever of change at the school level. The SBOE role would allow me to advance those things on a larger scale for all children in DC.

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

Yes. Both of my sons attend DC Public Schools in Ward 6. I believe deeply in public education, and our family is part of the community I am seeking to represent. Being a DCPS parent means I experience our system in real time: from drop-off and parent-teacher conferences to budgets, staffing, enrichment, special programs, and family engagement. It reinforces my belief that families should not have to be education-policy experts to ensure their children receive excellent opportunities. I want every DC family to be able to choose a public school with confidence that their child will be supported and challenged to thrive.

Background & priorities

What specific experience or skills prepare you to serve as a Board member?

I have served education from nearly every seat at the table—as a Title I classroom teacher, school and nonprofit leader, federal education policy professional, parent, LSAT leader, and PTO President. I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy, and currently manage complex federal education programs, working across policy, compliance, data, and stakeholder engagement. At the school level, I have helped shape budgets, participated in principal selection, advocated before the DC Council, and worked alongside families and educators. I know how to connect policy with what students, families, and educators actually experience in schools.