While budgets for most DC government agencies won’t be released until late March with the Mayor’s full proposal, DC Public Schools (DCPS) is already deep into the process of making funding decisions for the 2016-17 school year.
The education agency released initial budget allocations to individual schools last week along with its budget guide. School leaders have a bit longer to examine the budgets and make changes — two more weeks than years past — before they are required to submit budgets to DCPS’ central office on March 7th.
So, what do we know so far about how school budgets look next school year?
- There will be an inflation adjustment to the funding formula. Last year, the city’s per student funding formula — the main source of local funds for all DC Public Schools and public charter schools — was flat-funded. This means no inflation adjustment was applied to help schools keep up with rising costs from year-to-year. Fortunately, there will be a 2 percent increase to the formula’s base per student level for next school year, driving more funding to all schools. (This funding increase also will apply to charter schools.)
- DCPS school budgets include over $47 million in “at-risk” funding. These resources are part of the city’s school funding formula and are allocated to schools according to their at-risk student population (see here for more information on who qualifies). The money is intended to help schools meet the needs of the nearly 25,000 at-risk students across the DCPS system. Funds can be used for a variety of things like programming, staff positions, technology, and supplies. Parents and community members are encouraged to speak up during LSAT meetings about the best ways to ensure these funds are supplementing school budgets and helping the students that need it the most.
- Expansion of extended school day and year will continue. Next year, 14 percent of the at-risk funding in DCPS school budgets is slated towards longer school days at 32 schools and a longer school year at 11 schools. The extended year calendar will include 200 student days, with breaks in October and June.
Interested in testifying on your school’s budget? Mark your calendars for the April 14th budget oversight hearing for DC Public Schools — you can sign up here.
Stay tuned for more updates from DCFPI this budget season!
To print a copy of today’s blog, click here.
