This month, the DC Department of General Services (DGS) collected proposals from construction companies interested in the contract for modernizing Murch. DGS, in consultation with DC Public Schools (DCPS), is now reviewing the submitted proposals and plans to select a builder in the next several weeks. Meanwhile, the question on everyone’s mind continues to be about swing…

The Murch School Improvement Team (SIT) is a group of staff, parents and community members selected by the Principal to participate in the development of educational specifications and schematic design for the school’s modernization project. Current members of the Murch SIT are: Tim Abrams, parent (5th and 3rd grade) Renee Brown, parent (3rd and 2nd grade,…

On February 19, HSA Co-Presidents Martha McIntosh and Maggie Gumbinner testified before the DC Council’s Education Committee to highlight the overwhelming need for modernizing Murch. Their testimony also addressed concerns with the process used to schedule schools for modernization. On February 24, DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson testified before the Education Committee and also addressed the school modernization…

Written Testimony of Martha McIntosh, Murch HSA Co-President DCPS Performance Oversight Hearing DC Council Committee on Education February 19, 2015 Hello. My name is Martha McIntosh and I am currently a Co-President of the Murch Home and School Association. I am also the parent of two students at Murch. My oldest child is now in…

On Tuesday evening, February 10, Murch parents and community members filled the school’s all-purpose room to meet with Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles. They shared their frustration with the long wait for renovation and their wariness that the need for additional funding might delay the project again. Deputy Mayor Niles told the Murch community…

On Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 pm, at Murch, Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles is coming to discuss the new mayoral administration’s plans for modernization. It is essential that we fill the room and let her know that funding for renovation and expansion is critical to the Murch community. The Murch HSA will provide babysitting…

Make plans now to attend the HSA meeting on Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00 pm. Newly-appointed Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles will be speaking to parents about the new Mayor’s plans for the Murch modernization project. The HSA will provide babysitting for Murch-age children. Meanwhile, planning for the renovation is moving forward. Proposals for…

On December 16, the Murch School Improvement Team (SIT) met with Brian Hanlon, Director of the DC Department of General Services (DGS), Lisa Ruda, Deputy Chancellor of DC Public Schools (DCPS), Councilmember Mary Cheh, and members of their staffs. Here is what we learned: DGS now has agreed to issue an RFP for design planning…