FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1E
Government of the District of Columbia
2605 Sherman Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: Commissioner Brad Howard, ANC 1E Engagement Secretary
www.anc1e.org | 1E01@anc.dc.gov
WASHINGTON — Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E unanimously adopted a resolution on May 28, 2025, urging the D.C. Council and District education leadership to act on the April 2025 report by the Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA) examining staffing and resource allocation within D.C. Public Schools (DCPS).
The Auditor’s findings show that while student enrollment grew by just 2.6% over five years, DCPS experienced a 19.5% increase in staffing and a 50% increase in local operating funds. While many new roles supported classrooms, the report raised concerns about disproportionate growth in the central office and inadequate financial controls.
“This report makes clear that DCPS needs stronger oversight, streamlined data systems, and better alignment between spending and student success,” said Commissioner Brad Howard. “Taxpayers and families alike deserve clarity about how education dollars are being used.”
The resolution calls for:
- Strong consideration of ODCA’s recommendations by the D.C. Council, State Board of Education, OSSE, and DCPS leadership;
- Improved transparency in budget documents and staffing data, including consolidation of internal systems and reconciliation of inconsistencies; and
- A formal review by the State Board of Education of how transparency and fiscal accountability can be strengthened in DCPS oversight.
Commissioners Brad Howard and Philippa Hawker were designated to represent ANC 1E in all matters related to this resolution.
The full text of the adopted resolution follows:
#1E-2025-0505: Resolution Urging the D.C. Council to Implement the Office of the D.C. Auditor’s Recommendations on DCPS Staffing and Resource Allocation
WHEREAS, The Office of the D.C. Auditor (ODCA) released a report in April 2025 titled Study of D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) Staffing and Resource Allocation, which identified substantial growth in DCPS staffing and spending over the past five years, with a 19.5% increase in full-time equivalent positions and a 50% increase in the local funds operating budget, despite student enrollment increasing by just 2.6%; and
WHEREAS, The report found that while many new positions were classroom-based and aligned with student needs, there was disproportionate growth in mid- and senior-level central office positions, raising concerns about administrative overhead, role clarity, and alignment with student outcomes; and
WHEREAS, The report highlighted critical gaps in financial data systems and internal controls at DCPS, including inconsistent use of multiple systems (PeopleSoft, QuickBase, DIFS), lack of a unified staffing dataset, and inadequate documentation of position control processes, all of which hinder transparency and oversight; and
WHEREAS, ODCA’s recommendations include implementing centralized position controls, improving inter-system data consistency, enhancing budget documentation, and developing multi-year financial forecasts to ensure fiscal discipline and long-term planning; and
WHEREAS, Trust in the stewardship of public education funds is essential to delivering better outcomes for students and maximizing the return on taxpayer investment; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, ANC 1E urges the Council of the District of Columbia, the D.C. State Board of Education, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), and DCPS leadership to give strong consideration to the recommendations in the April 2025 report from the Office of the D.C. Auditor on DCPS staffing and resource allocation; further
BE IT RESOLVED, ANC 1E urges DCPS leadership, in coordination with the D.C. Council where appropriate, to improve the accessibility and transparency of its budget documents and staffing data, including consolidating internal systems, reconciling inconsistencies, and ensuring timely public access in a clear and usable format for oversight purposes; further
BE IT RESOLVED, ANC 1E urges the D.C. State Board of Education to review the findings and recommendations in the April 2025 ODCA report and to consider incorporating greater transparency and fiscal accountability in its policy guidance and oversight of DCPS; further
BE IT RESOLVED, ANC 1E designates Commissioners Brad Howard and Philippa Hawker to represent the Commission in all matters relating to this Resolution. In the event the designated representative Commissioner cannot carry out their representative duties for any reason, ANC 1E authorizes the Chair to designate another Commissioner to represent the Commission in all matters relating to this Resolution.
Certification:
At a regularly scheduled and publicly noticed meeting held on May 28, 2025, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E considered the above resolution. With a quorum of 6 Commissioners present, the Commission voted with 6 Yeas, 0 Nays, and 0 Abstentions, to adopt the above resolution.
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About ANC 1E:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1E represents the neighborhoods of Pleasant Plains, Park View, and the Howard University area. Commissioners are elected to advise the District government on decisions that affect their neighborhoods, including public safety, transportation, planning, zoning, and city services. All ANC meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to participate in shaping the future of their community.
About Advisory Neighborhood Commissions:
ANCs are nonpartisan, locally elected bodies in Washington, D.C. that represent neighborhood interests to the District government. While ANCs do not have legislative power, they are given “great weight” on decisions before city agencies and the Council. Commissioners serve two-year terms and are elected by single-member districts within each ward.
ANC 1E 