DC Deputy Mayor for Education resigns amid school lottery violations involving chancellor's child

WASHINGTON - D.C.'s Deputy Mayor for Education has resigned over questions about school placement of one of D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson's children.

In a statement Friday, Mayor Muriel Bowser said Jennifer Niles and Wilson did not comply with mayoral orders in transferring one of Wilson's children from one school several weeks after the school year started. Mayor's Orders 2017-125 and 2017-158 prohibit public officials from obtaining discretionary transfers.

The mayor's statement said she accepted Niles' resignation on Friday morning.

Mayor Bowser said she has set out a series of corrective actions for Wilson, including that he issue a public apology and that he remove his child from the out-of-boundary school. Bowser's statement also said she was referring the matter to the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability and to the Inspector General to examine whether the code of conduct was violated.

"We remain focused on providing all of the resources and support for our students, parents and staff," Bowser said.

Wilson issued the following apology on Friday afternoon:

"Dear DCPS community, I write to you today as the Chancellor, a father and a husband. This September, my family faced a difficult decision where we felt that my child needed to transfer schools. Instead of following the prescribed DCPS policy, I sought assistance on how to do this correctly that resulted in my child being transferred to another school. In fact my actions did not align with DCPS policy. In doing so, I failed the school system and the DC community.

My decision was wrong and I take full responsibility for my mistake. While I understand that many of you will be angered and disappointed by my actions, I'm here today to apologize and ask for your forgiveness.

I am committed to working to gain your trust and continuing needed reforms to ensure that our students have the tools they need to succeed in the world."