Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee to leave role as chancellor of DC Public Schools 

By AFRO Staff

Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, chancellor of DC Public Schools (DCPS), stepped down in June 2026 to take on the chief executive officer role for EDReports. The independent nonprofit focuses on improving PK-12 education by carefully reviewing instructional materials used in the classroom.

Ferebee has more than two decades of experience to his name. He came to DCPS in January 2019 from a superintendent role held with Indianapolis Public Schools.

During his tenure with DCPS, Ferebee is credited with significant gains in reading and math. He led the District through the tough days of COVID-19 and now, according to the Education Scorecard, DCPS is counted as only one of eight areas in the country to show an improvement in reading after the pandemic. In comparison, the May 2026 report says that “27 states followed up their pandemic declines with further declines in reading achievement.”

According to information released by the school district, student enrollment ticked above 52,000 —the highest in nearly two decades—under Chancellor Ferebee, and there has been a 12 percent increase in graduation rates. DCPS also reports that he “strengthened collaboration with labor partners, successfully negotiating multiple union contracts that have enhanced teacher compensation, expanded supports for staff, and deepened trust with school communities across Washington, DC.”

Ferebee earned a doctor of education degree in educational leadership from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in school administration from The George Washington University. He was a member of the Class of 1997 at North Carolina Central University, where earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. 

Ferebee is set to begin serving in the new role at EdReports on June 22.

“Dr. Ferebee is a student-centered educator whose leadership has driven meaningful outcomes in large public school systems,” said Dana Nerenberg, chair of the EdReports board of directors, in a press release announcing the move. “He brings an exceptional combination of instructional leadership, operational experience, and strategic thinking. He has led large-scale academic improvement efforts in complex public school systems and understands both the challenges educators are facing and the opportunities ahead. Our board is confident he is uniquely positioned to guide EdReports through its next chapter of growth and national impact.”

“Throughout my career, I have seen how powerful high-quality instructional materials can be when they are implemented well,” said Dr. Ferebee, in the EdReports press release. “I have followed and used EdReports’ reviews for years as a district leader, and I’m excited to help the organization build on that strong foundation as states and districts navigate increasingly complex instructional decisions.”

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