The DCPS Budget Guide can be viewed here - https://dcpsbudget.com/
See Recommendations from the DC Fiscal Policy Institute here- https://www.dcfpi.org/
View this FY27 spreadsheet to see DCPS year over year changes in budget allocation and projected enrollment for different categories
Budget Testimony of DC Council Testimony on the DCPS FY27 Budget
April 22, 2026
Cathy Reilly- C4DC, Ward 4 Ed Alliance, Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (SHAPPE)
I appreciate the opportunity to testify. In this tight budget year, I am thankful for the funds for the Advanced Technical Center and the pilot truancy project as well as the increase in the UPSFF. While some changes are still necessary, I appreciate DCPS’s increased adherence to the Schools First Policy. The absence of hundreds of DCPS parents here today signifies some success not to be taken for granted.
I am glad to see continued investment in school modernization projects. DCPS is the public system responsible for providing by right education to all comers. It is at the core of our democratic system. It guarantees access and works for equity by spreading funds between schools, keeping them open across the city. While the city has invested in and expanded citywide options and the lottery, this remains the core responsibility.
For this reason, I support the structural change in the FY27 budget that shifts fixed DCPS utility costs to DGS. There are advantages and disadvantages for DCPS as a city agency subject to different regulations and responsibilities in comparison to the privately managed charter sector. Capital and operating budgets function in the context of the larger needs of the city. The promise of the charter sector was that it would be more effective and efficient privately run, and not subject to Union contracts. With the inclusion of the WTU contract salary gains in the UPSFF funds, charter schools realized significant funds thanks to the negotiation of union paying DCPS people
With thousands of children enrolled in 67 different LEA’s the city does need to struggle with services being equitable, not equal. Each of these charter school systems has different needs, some have been able to bank significant funds, others operate close to the line with debt incurred due to the promise of a yearly escalating facilities allowance. A promise made in richer times.
With projected birth rate decline, the loss of federal jobs and those residents, the deportations of valued immigrant families and the reduced lottery applications there is a challenge. The joint planning for public education and consideration of some structural changes is now critical. DC public education is not just a market system where we have to tolerate closures. The 2023 Boundary plan fulfillment of recommendation #23 is necessary as is the fulfillment of recommendations #9 and #17. The Council can require a vision, strategy and public education plan for growth, equity and quality where DCPS fulfills its responsibility of providing strong options close to home and citywide charter and DCPS schools supplement not supplant. I will submit additional written testimony on the importance of community schools funding, as well as other issues. Thank you.