On Pi Day, as Math4All DC screened 'Counted Out,' the documentary's message took on urgent meaning: DC students were literally being counted out of their own education budget. Our speakers connected the dots—$358 million in potential cuts to schools means fewer math opportunities, fewer pathways to success. The timing couldn't have been more powerful, or the call to action more clear.
Math4All DC's Pi Day Screening: When "Counted Out" Met DC's Budget Reality
On March 14th—Pi Day—the Math4All DC coalition hosted a screening of the powerful documentary "Counted Out" at a moment when mathematics and budgets converged in DC in ways we couldn't have anticipated.
Perfect Timing
As attendees gathered to watch a film about how strong math skills ensure students don't get "counted out" of future opportunities, DC residents were literally being counted out of their own budget. With Congress threatening to slash $1.1 billion from DC's 2025 operating budget—including $358 million from public education funding—the documentary's message couldn't have been more relevant.
The irony wasn't lost on anyone in the room.
Powerful Voices
The screening featured a panel of passionate advocates who connected the film's message to our current reality:
Nahla Ihoma, a student advocate, spoke powerfully about how high-impact tutoring creates pathways to success for students who might otherwise be left behind.
Letisha Vinson, representing parents and caregivers, shared personal insights about how family engagement strengthens math learning and creates advocates for the next generation.
Dr. Kelly Ivy brought expertise on teacher development and high-quality instructional materials, explaining how these elements work together to build strong foundations in mathematics education.
Each speaker reinforced what the documentary made clear: math equals power, and without it, students risk being counted out of educational, career, and economic opportunities.
Community Conversations
The event sparked meaningful dialogue among attendees, who shared their own experiences with mathematics education and discussed the potential impacts of the looming budget cuts on DC students. The conversations highlighted the community's commitment to ensuring every student receives quality math instruction regardless of zip code or background.
Our Path Forward
As Math4All DC continues advocating for mathematics education, we remain focused on our four key pillars:
High-Impact Tutoring - Supporting evidence-based, small-group intensive tutoring tailored to individual student needs
Math Teacher Pipeline - Strengthening teacher training and sustaining programs for educator development
Parent/Caregiver Support - Implementing family engagement strategies to support math learning
High-Quality Instructional Materials & Professional Development - Funding math coaches and implementing proven curriculum
Join Our Movement
This screening was just one step in our ongoing work to transform math education in DC. As we face unprecedented challenges to education funding, we need your voice more than ever. Join the Math4All DC Coalition to learn more about ways to get involved.
Together, we can ensure that no DC student is counted out of the quality math education they deserve.
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Math4All DC is a coalition of nine organizations and passionate community advocates working to transform mathematics education across Washington, D.C. Because everyone is a math person.