DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee stepping down to accept CEO position

WASHINGTON - D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee is stepping down next month to become the next chief executive officer of an educational nonprofit. 

What we know:

Standing alongside Mayor Muriel Bowser at a Wednesday press conference, Ferebee called his tenure an "amazing journey" and described Bowser as "the best boss that I could have asked for."

North Carolina-based EdReports announced that Ferebee would join the organization as its next CEO beginning in June.

What they're saying:

In an email to the DCPS community Wednesday, Ferebee touted his accomplishments in leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, improving test scores after the pandemic, and increasing enrollment and graduation rates.

DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee, front, and Mayor Muriel Bowser. (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

He called his time as chancellor "an honor I will carry with me."

"I leave on a high note, proud of what we have accomplished together," Ferebee said. "I know what this district is capable of, and I will always believe in what you do for our city and its students. Thank you."

In a post on social media Wednesday, Mayor Muriel Bowser said that she is "deeply grateful for Chancellor Ferebee’s eight years of service to our students, schools, and city," and that "we are proud to see his impact extend beyond the District."

The backstory:

Ferebee was appointed by Bowser in 2018, and is the longest-serving chancellor in district history. Before joining DCPS, he served as the Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools for five years.

What's next:

Ferebee's last day as chancellor will be on June 19.

Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee