Eric Goulet

Where Goulet 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?

(#1 - Citywide concern) Every student graduating with a diploma from public school in DC should have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in either college or a living wage career. Yet, currently, many graduates are still not proficient when they graduate high school. Providing additional academic, social service, and/or mental health supports for students during the school year and over the summer is essential for ensuring that students do not fall behind grade-level proficiency. (#2 - Ward 3 concern) Ward 3 has a unique issue with school overcrowding, which prevents Ward 3 from having any in-boundary Pre-K for three-year-olds and creates a lack of inclusive special education capacity throughout our ward.

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

The two major initiatives that have been under the statutory purview of the DC State Board of Education during the last four years were the revisions of the social studies standards and the DC high school graduation requirements. For these in-depth initiatives, I invited input from residents in my newsletter that I post on Ward 3 listservs, via social media posts, by attending community meetings and farmers' markets, and I also heard from residents through the e-mails and testimony we received at the Board. In addition to drafting resolutions and legislation to solve issues raised by constituents, I have also testified at dozens of DC Council hearings to advocate for the priorities raised by Ward 3 parents, students, and educators.

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

My older son attended DCPS in elementary school, but he was struggling academically, so we opted for a private placement that met his academic needs. I believe that if he had been able to attend Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 at Key Elementary School that he wouldn't have had the same struggles. Unfortunately, there was no Pre-K3 (and still isn't) and then he was wait-listed for Pre-K4, and didn't receive a placement, in both cases due to school overcrowding. This experience solidified my unyielding support for finally achieving the goal of universal, in-boundary pre-kindergarten in the District of Columbia.

Background & priorities

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

I have dedicated my entire 21-year career to public service in DC. I am a licensed attorney. I served as Budget Director for DC Council, Budget Director for Mayor Vince Gray, Committee Director of both the Committees on Health and Finance & Revenue at DC Council, and I was General Counsel for United Medical Center. At SBOE, I have personally written a record number of State Resolutions and legislation on the following issues: adding school nurses, full- length novels, curriculum transparency, developmentally appropriate kindergarten enrollment policies, timely approval of the WTU contract, a Green New Deal for Schools, ending legacy admissions, improving special education transportation, and creating universal out-of-school time programs.