At the recent DC Public Schools (DCPS) Fiscal Year 2026 Public Budget Hearing, educators and community members voiced urgent calls for increased funding to support students and stabilize school operations. The meeting, held on November 20, 2024, highlighted critical concerns about the impact of budget cuts on educational quality and staff morale.

One of the most compelling testimonies came from a teacher advocating for Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding, emphasizing that investing in CTE is essential for students' futures and the local workforce. "By allocating more robust funding, we can expand access, improve equipment, and offer additional certifications that give our students a competitive edge," the teacher stated, urging decision-makers to prioritize these programs.

Concerns about the administrative burden on teachers were also prominent. Laura Fuchs, a veteran educator, criticized the excessive paperwork and testing requirements imposed by the DCPS central office, which she argued detract from valuable teaching time. "We’re facing a crisis in our classrooms," she said, calling for a reduction in unnecessary initiatives and a reallocation of funds to directly support students.

Dylan Craig, an English teacher, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the Schools First in Budgeting Act to ensure stable funding year after year. He warned that constant budget fluctuations create anxiety among staff and hinder their ability to serve students effectively. "Central office works to support schools, but it cannot support what no longer exists due to budget cuts," he noted.

The hearing also featured testimony from parents and educators expressing deep concern over the potential for further cuts. Jacqueline Seward Clemens, a special education teacher, described the severe impact of last year's budget cuts, which resulted in significant staff reductions and increased workloads for remaining teachers. "We can't keep reducing staff and increasing student enrollment without consequence," she cautioned, highlighting the risk of burnout and staff turnover.

As the budget discussions continue, the overarching message from the hearing is clear: DCPS must prioritize robust funding to ensure that schools can adequately support their students and staff. The community is calling for transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated, emphasizing that the future of education in the district depends on it.