Mayor Muriel Bowser announced today an increase to DC's public school funding amidst a challenging fiscal environment. In a move to bolster the ongoing progress within the District's education system, the uniform per student funding formula (UPSFF) foundation level is being increased by 2.55%, now reaching a new threshold of $15,455. This decision, aimed at supporting approximately 100,000 students across DC Public Schools and public charter schools, is set to also cover salary increments rooted in the latest teachers' union agreement, per the Mayor's Office.
"We have the fastest-improving urban school system in the nation because we have stayed focused on what works for our students, educators, and families," said Mayor Bowser, per the Mayor's Office, regarding the dedication to community-driven educational strategies. "I'm proud of those investments, but I'm even prouder that we have results to show for them – higher graduation rates, higher teacher retention rates, increased enrollment, and the largest increase in proficiency rates since the pandemic." Amidst enjoying a surge in local funding that has doubled over the past decade, from $1.4 billion to upwards of $2.8 billion, the city has seen a significant bump in NAEP fourth-grade math proficiency while enduring financial constraints.
According to data, the increased funding has paid off, with DC boasting ELA and math proficiency jumps, higher graduation rates, and notable improvements in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). "DCPS is the only urban district to make significant or nominal increases in all four grade and subject combinations tested by NAEP," the Mayor's Office reported. And talking about returns on investment, District teachers now rank as some of the best paid nationally, with a formidable starting salary to boast and a retention rate hitting 78%.
With the implementation of new budgetary measures, DC Public Schools' Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee expressed confidence in sustaining success while embracing financial tightness. "The progress our students are making reflects the resilience of our school communities and the collective commitment of our educators, families, and partners," Ferebee said, as per the Mayor's Office, acknowledging the relentless drive sustaining the District's educational achievements. This approach includes a School Sustainability Fund to manage teacher-to-student ratios and adequate staffing, and grants available for schools transitioning to temporary locations during modernizations. For those eager to inspect the figures, the initial FY 2027 budgets for each of DCPS' 117 schools are up for review on the DCPS budget website.
