About William

DC School Board Member William Lockridge is an educator who brings over 25 years of dedicated, committed public and community service to District IV which is made up of Wards 7 and 8—the areas of NE and SE predominantly east of the Anacostia River. As a long-time resident of District IV, William Lockridge knows the people and the challenges they face. Describing himself, Lockridge says, “I listen, and I am accessible,” explaining that he often dialogues with community residents and stakeholders through regular community meetings. “I have the skills and know-how to bridge community needs & issues with resources in order to develop effective policy.”

Early Years

William grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended Chicago Public Schools. After graduating from Englewood High School, he attended Tennessee State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education.

Community Service

William relocated to Washington, DC in 1979 and has been a resident of Ward 8 for over 2 decades. During that time he has served his community in many capacities, including as

  • an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
  • a member of the Neighborhood Council for Youth
  • President of the Simon Elementary School PTA
  • President of the Alabama Avenue Task Force
  • a member of the Council of Governments Air Quality Committee and
  • President of the Ward 8 Democrats.


Education Experience

William Lockridge was employed by DCPS for over 15 years before first being elected to the Board of Education. Prior to being elected, William worked as an issues and policies researcher, teacher, teacher coordinator, and a wrestling coach.

As a Member of the Board of Education, William Lockridge has displayed the courage to lead and a longstanding commitment to children. Below are highlights of his recent accomplishments.

Courage to Lead

  • Served as Vice President of the Board of Education and
    Chair of the Finance & Facilities Committee.
  • As Chair of the Finance & Facilities Committee,
    • Guided the passage of 3 consecutive balanced budgets
    • Linked budgets to performance
    • Developed the Master Facilities Plan —
      a guide for building new schools and renovating existing facilities
    • Secured $2.5 billion from the City Council to fully fund the
      Master Facilities Plan
  • Introduced resolution making
    Phelps a free-standing Vocational Career Development School and providing at least one vocational education program at every senior high school
  • Opposed resolution that requires parents of special needs children to prove their kids need services
  • First to lead the push for a moratorium on new charter schools

Commitment to Our Children

  • Built partnerships with community members and Toyota Motor Corporation to provide
    • 33,000 books — 1,000 books for each school in Southeast and
    • over $1.5 million for the Ballou SHS Automotive Program
  • Championed the building of 3 new schools in District 4 —
    Kelly Miller Middle School and Patterson and Randle Highland Elementary schools
  • Developed partnership with DC Public Schools, DC Parks & Recreation, UDC, and the Woodland Tigers to lease land at Stanton Elementary and build a recreation facility
  • Supported and worked to develop International Baccalaureate Program and Barbering Program at Woodson SHS
  • Brought together parents, teachers, students, professors, retired principals, and former Superintendents and School Board Members living in District 4 to develop a Master Education Plan for District 4 Schools

Affiliations

Along with his service on the Board of Education, William maintains memberships in the following organizations:

  • the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
  • the National School Boards Association (NSBA)
  • the Council of Urban Boards of Education
  • the Council of Black School Administrators

To further his work on the School Board, William has also completed coursework toward a real estate appraisers license.

Family

William is married to Wanda Lockridge. He has one daughter, Joy, and a son, Stefan, who graduated from Wilson Senior High School and attends college in Tennessee. He has one grandchild.

Mr. and Mrs. Lockridge are members of Allen Chapel AME Church in SE.