(WASHINGTON, DC) – Last night, Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee congratulated top DCPS educators, leaders, and school staff at the DC Public Education Fund’s signature event, the Standing Ovation Awards. This year, 22 individuals and schools were named awardees.  

 “I say it all the time: the best educators in the world are right here in Washington, DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “The Standing Ovation is a celebration of the many people who have built DCPS into the school system it is today and who love and challenge our children every day.” 

The Standing Ovation Awards spotlight the dedication and achievements of the educators and staff who empower DCPS students to reach their full potential. Now in its 16th year, this celebration reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to educational excellence and the partnerships that sustain it. 

“Standing Ovation has become a cornerstone of our community, shining light on the educators who contribute so much to our district’s progress,” said DCPS Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “This tradition allows us to honor excellence across our priorities of academic success, connection to school, and preparation. I am deeply grateful to the DC Public Education Fund for elevating the people at the heart of DCPS’ mission.”   

This year’s Outstanding Educator of the Year award was presented to Cara Marbury, a dedicated special education teacher at Anne Beers Elementary School in Ward 7. Known for an innovative approach to teaching and an unwavering commitment to students’ success, Marbury represents the excellence that Standing Ovation aims to highlight.    

The Outstanding School Leader of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Grace Reid, principal at Barnard Elementary School in Ward 4. As one of DCPS’ most tenured school leaders, Dr. Reid’s legacy of excellence at Barnard began in 2000 when she joined the staff as a school counselor. Under her leadership, students at Barnard Elementary are performing more than 11 percentage points higher in reading and math than predicted for a school with similar demographics, a testament to the school’s accelerated academic growth and impact.  

“The DC Ed Fund is proud to celebrate Standing Ovation, a unique and powerful tradition that brings together business, philanthropy, and government leaders to honor the best of DC Public Schools,” said Jim Kline, President and Executive Director of the DC Public Education Fund. “This event is a testament to the talent, dedication, and innovation driving our schools forward.”    

Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, DC’s teacher pay has become among the highest in the nation, with teachers earning over $100,000 on average, outpacing their peers nationwide. Since becoming Mayor, she has successfully executed three teacher contracts, and retention rates recently hit a five-year high. 

These investments have helped improve student outcomes across DC. The District’s 2025 DC CAPE statewide assessment results showed the largest increase in proficiency rates made since the pandemic—an increase of 3.6 percentage points from the prior year in both English language arts and math. The Mayor’s FY26 Budget included another $270 million to support pay increases for DCPS and public charter school teachers, as well as $2.8 billion through the District’s per-student funding formula; full funding for core childcare programs, including $85 million for the Child Care Subsidy Program, $72 million for the Pay Equity Fund, and $19.5 million for the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP); and over $2 billion in major capital investments in schools. 
  

2026 Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools Awardees  

School Excellence Awards 

• M. Shanita Burney Family Engagement Award: Garfield Elementary School  
• School Improvement Award: Stuart-Hobson Middle School  

Excellence Awards for Teachers  
Outstanding Educator of the Year  

• Cara Marbury, 3rd–5th Grade Teacher, Anne Beers Elementary School, Ward 7

Excellence in Teaching Award Winners 

• Nicol Davis, Upper Elementary Atelier, School-Within-School @ Goding, Ward 6  
• Chad Harris, Music Teacher, Stanton Elementary School, Ward 8 
• Lee James, Teacher & E-Sports Director, Eastern High School, Ward 7 
• Shelina Warren, Academy Director, Dunbar High School, Ward 5  

Excellence Awards for School-Based Staff  
Outstanding School Staff of the Year 

• Laura Kleinmann, Librarian, Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, Ward 3  

School Staff Excellence Award Winners 

• Asia Bernard, Paraprofessional, Plummer Elementary School, Ward 7 
• Kenneth Brown, College and Career Coordinator, Ballou High School, Ward 8  
• Niki Clark-Deal, School Counselor, Randle Highlands Elementary School, Ward 7  
• Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Instructional Coach, Langdon Elementary School, Ward 5  

Excellence Awards for School Leaders  
Outstanding School Leader of the Year 

• Dr. Grace Reid, Principal, Barnard Elementary School, Ward 4  

 School Leader Excellence Award Winners 

• Lucas Cooke, Principal, MacFarland Middle School, Ward 4  
• Eric Dabney, Principal, Kimball Elementary School, Ward 7 
• Marqus Holden, Assistant Principal, Garnet-Patterson STAY, Ward 1 
• Amanda Perz, Principal, Wheatley Education Campus, Ward 5  

Excellence Awards for Central Services Staff  
Outstanding Central Services Leader of the Year  

• Nina Harrison, Attendance Specialist, Office of Integrity    

Central Services Excellence Award Winners  

• Whitney Carrington, Director of Student Health Services, Office of School Improvement & Systems  
• Drue Docie, Manager of Birth to 5, Office of Teaching and Learning 
• Andy Hai Ting, Manager of Operational Finance, Office of Fiscal Strategy  
• Danielle Johnson, Director of Assessments, Office of Teaching and Learning  

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