DCPS Annual Equalization Process Begins

Contact: Jennifer Calloway | (202) 535-1096

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Chancellor Michelle Rhee announced the beginning of the annual equalization process, part of the administration’s continued efforts to right-size District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). While nearly 45,000 students are enrolled across the system, equalization ensures that resources are distributed equitably by making necessary adjustments for schools that exceeded their projected enrollment and for others that are underenrolled.

Each year this process enables DCPS to increase or decrease individual school budgets to align staffing and other resources to actual student enrollment. For the 2009-2010 school year, DCPS must also adjust funding to reflect budget reductions made this summer by the D.C. Council to DCPS and the Public Charter Schools.

“We’re doing everything possible to balance unprecedented budget pressures with the needs of school communities,” said Mayor Fenty. “Our students are our priority, and we remain committed to ensuring that budget reductions do not affect the quality of academic programming.”

THE PROCESS
At the beginning of the week, Principals received their preliminary budget adjustment, and letters were sent home to parents and staff members today. Principals will spend the remainder of the month working with instructional superintendents and their school communities to determine the budget adjustments that best meet their needs.

Equalization coupled with the Council budget reduction will have an impact across the district. The Central Office will absorb the cut to the maximum extent possible; however, a reduction of this magnitude will also directly affect schools.

Over the past two years, as part of the administration’s continuing efforts to right-size the school district, DCPS has pushed as much funding as possible out to school budgets. Because the single greatest expenditure in schools is personnel, as a result, DCPS must conduct a reduction-in-force (RIF) which will be implemented consistent with the requirements of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

“The unanticipated budget shortfall will be challenging. No budget reduction is taken lightly, but every school reduction will be made in the best interest of students,” said Chancellor Rhee. “There will be no disruption to major programs or offerings, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for all of our staff, students and schools.”

DCPS expects to give notice of required separations by September 30, 2009, and the separations will be effective 30 days after notice is given.

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Download Chancellor Rhee’s letter to parents

Download Chancellor Rhee’s letter to staff members at DCPS schools