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B 26-0489

PACE Clarification Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Christina Henderson

The PACE Clarification Amendment Act ensures equitable assessment and modernization of all DC public schools, prioritizing those with historic significance for better learning environments.

Public Hearing on B26-0489
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Bill Summary · B 26-0489

Summary of the PACE Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 (B 26-0489)

Introduction

The PACE Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 was introduced on November 17, 2025, by Councilmember Christina Henderson, along with several co-sponsors. The bill aims to enhance the prioritization and modernization processes for District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) facilities, ensuring that all schools are assessed equitably, particularly those with historical significance.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this bill is to:
- Ensure that all DCPS facilities are assessed and ranked according to a comprehensive prioritization process established by the Planning Actively for Comprehensive Education Facilities Amendment Act of 2016 (PACE).
- Improve collaboration among District agencies regarding schools with historic designations.
- Promote transparency and equity in the modernization of school facilities.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant amendments to the existing legislation:

  1. Prioritization of All Facilities:

    • DCPS must calculate prioritization scores for all school facilities, regardless of whether they have previously undergone modernization. This change aims to ensure that schools needing upgrades are not overlooked.

  2. Historic Designation Reporting:

    • The bill mandates the creation of an inventory of schools with historic designations or eligibility. This inventory will help in understanding the implications of historic preservation laws on school modernization.

  3. Data Collection Requirements:

    • DCPS is required to provide prioritization scores and raw data to the Council every five years, starting from September 30, 2027. This report will include a priority ranking for each school in its portfolio.

  4. Collaboration with Historic Preservation Agencies:

    • DCPS, in coordination with the Office of Planning and the Department of General Services, must publish modernization procedures for schools with historic designations, including an analysis of relevant laws and regulations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students and Educators: The bill aims to improve the learning environment for students by ensuring that all school facilities meet modern educational standards.
  • District Agencies: Agencies involved in education and historic preservation will need to collaborate more closely and maintain updated records of school facilities.
  • Community Stakeholders: Parents and community members will benefit from increased transparency and engagement in the planning and modernization processes.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has been referred to the Committee of the Whole as of December 2, 2025.
  • The proposed changes reflect a response to historical challenges faced by DCPS facilities, particularly those that were modernized in the early 2000s but do not meet current standards.

Conclusion

The PACE Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 seeks to create a more equitable and transparent process for the modernization of DCPS facilities, ensuring that all schools, especially those with historical significance, are prioritized appropriately. By addressing these issues, the bill aims to enhance the quality of education and learning environments for all students in the District of Columbia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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