Reetchel Presume brings a unique blend of expertise and personal commitment to advancing racial and socio-economic equity in education. Throughout her cross-sector career, she has led school operations, published research on school funding redistribution, developed policy recommendations, and contributed to strategic planning efforts aimed at promoting equitable resource allocation across K–12 systems.

At Afton, Reetchel seeks to create equitable and sustainable education systems, with a focus on funding and governance. She supports major state and local strategic initiatives within the K–12 practice area by delivering technical assistance and engaging a wide range of stakeholders.

Her recent contributions include:

· Supporting state policy implementation related to LEA-level funding requirements and budget processes through stakeholder engagement and aligned analyses

· Facilitating a community of practice focused on state policy guidance and implementation

· Developing accounting business rules to enhance LEA data reporting in alignment with state policy mandates

· Conducting policy and field monitoring research

Reetchel began her career as an AmeriCorps educator with Citizen Schools. She later joined Uncommon Schools as a Special Projects Coordinator, where she managed student enrollment, oversaw daily administrative and financial systems, and cultivated strong community relationships. After earning her Master’s degree, she served as a Data and Policy Analyst on the P–12 team at The Education Trust, where she led multiple advocacy-focused projects, presented policy recommendations, and co-authored reports that shaped the agendas of state and national partners.

Prior to joining Afton, Reetchel worked at the DC Public Schools’ Office of Fiscal Strategy as a School Finance Specialist. In this role, she provided strategic budgeting support to principals across the District, developed financial models and projections, and collaborated with stakeholders citywide.

Reetchel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Cornell University and a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University. In her spare time, she volunteers with her local mutual aid group and takes salsa lessons.