(Washington, DC) – Today, just days after the Fiscal Year 2026 revenue estimate was revised downward by $325 million – or approximately 3%, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District will continue to build on the success of DC’s public schools with a 2.74% increase to the uniform per student funding formula (UPSFF) foundation level. 

The proposed increase, which brings the foundation level to $15,070, will support more than 101,000 students expected to enroll next school year. This year’s increase follows a historic 12.4% UPSFF increase in Fiscal Year 2025, which helped cover significant raises in teacher salaries at DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools.

“The improvements in academic achievement and the gains that we’ve been able to make in our schools didn’t happen by accident – they happened because our residents have invested in a strong and robust public education system,” said Mayor Bowser. “So, we are going to continue investing in our schools; and even in this tight budget environment, we will make sure our schools have what they need to give our students the opportunities and experiences they deserve.”

Local funding for schools has doubled over the past 10 years, from $1.4 billion to $2.8 billion, with the UPSFF foundation level increasing by nearly 60%. With these investments, District teachers are among the best paid in the nation. And as a result of these investments in students and teachers:

• student achievement has improved, with graduation rates up and data from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress showing continued progress across the District’s public schools;
• teacher retention is up to 81%; and
• student enrollment is up, with DCPS and public charter schools seeing the highest enrollment totals since the Office of the State Superintendent of Education began compiling public school enrollment data in 2007.

Today’s UPSFF announcement aligns with the release of DCPS’ FY 2026 initial school budgets. The DCPS budget model is based on three factors: enrollment, targeted support, and year-over-year sustainability. To make certain schools continue to meet students’ needs in a tough financial climate, a School Sustainability Fund will ensure that each DCPS school can afford to maintain appropriate teacher-to-student ratios and adequate staffing.

“As we prepare to sustain the momentum that has seen DCPS students rank first in the nation for the fastest post-pandemic recovery growth in both reading and math, our FY 2026 budget reflects a clear classroom teacher focus,” said DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “This prioritization comes from our understanding that excellent classroom teachers are the foundation of student success and the heart of our mission to ensure students reach their full potential through rigorous and joyful learning experiences.”

Initial FY 2026 budgets for each of DCPS’ 117 schools are available on dcpsbudget.com. The full set of education investments will be released as part of Mayor Bowser’s FY 2026 proposed budget.  
 

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