Opening Statement of Councilmember David Grosso

Chairperson, Committee on Education

Committee of the Whole
Joint Public Oversight Hearing on “Teacher and Principal Turnover and
Retention”
December 4, 2019

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I want to first acknowledge this meeting is taking place on the traditional land of the
Anacostan People of the Piscataway Tribe.
Just a few weeks ago, we heard from experts on the academic growth our city has seen over
the past few years. Teachers and Principals have been at the heart of that work.
I see today’s hearing has a continuation of that conversation which is why I am looking forward
to the discussion around our teaching and principal workforce and how to recruit and retain our
best. I am also curious in how best to support those who are doing work in schools.
I am also hoping to gain clarity around how we as a Council should be looking at principal and
teacher retention. Should we be looking at how many teachers leave a school or how many
leave an LEA or how many leave the profession? Examining each circumstance will yield a
different policy solution.
On top of that, should we focus on retaining our best teachers or all of our teachers? Those
clear distinctions are what I am hoping to learn more about today.
I look forward to hearing from the witnesses today and continuing this conversation.

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