DC Council and Board of Education Convene for Key Oversight and Policy Sessions

Public Testimony Headlines Busy Day of Council Oversight Hearings

The Council of the District of Columbia is moving into the heart of its performance oversight season today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Two major committees are scheduled to host public witnesses to review the performance and efficacy of several high-profile District agencies. These sessions serve as a critical precursor to the upcoming budget season, allowing the public to voice concerns and successes regarding local government operations.

Starting at 9:30 a.m., the Committee of the Whole will convene a virtual hearing to focus on the District’s education landscape. This session is specifically dedicated to public witnesses testifying on the performance of DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB). Education remains a top priority for residents, and today’s testimony is expected to touch on school safety, facility maintenance, and academic recovery initiatives following recent multi-year strategic plans.

Later this afternoon, at 2:30 p.m., the Committee on Health will hold its own oversight hearing. This meeting will focus on the Department of Health (DC Health), with testimony exclusively from public witnesses. As the District continues to navigate long-term public health challenges and community wellness programs, the council will look to residents for feedback on how the agency has managed its multi-million dollar portfolio over the past year.

State Board of Education Holds Monthly Public Meeting

In addition to the legislative oversight hearings, the DC State Board of Education (SBOE) will hold its monthly public meeting this evening at 5:30 p.m. The session will take place at the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building in the Old Council Chambers. The SBOE is expected to discuss ongoing policy shifts in graduation requirements and student achievement benchmarks. These meetings provide a vital platform for parents and educators to interact directly with elected board members on the policies shaping the future of District classrooms.

Major Boards and Commissions Schedule Wednesday Sessions

Several other government bodies are also meeting today to conduct the District's business, ranging from utility regulation to professional licensing:

• Public Service Commission: An open commission meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to consider formal cases and utility applications.
• Board of Real Estate Appraisers: The board will meet from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to handle licensing and regulatory matters.
• Commission for Women: A public meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Women in the Arts to discuss advocacy and programmatic goals for the upcoming year.
• Health Information Exchange (HIE) Policy Board: A virtual meeting will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to discuss health data privacy and digital infrastructure.

Residents interested in observing these proceedings can access most sessions via official government livestreams or by attending in-person where hybrid options are available.