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DCWatch Home

May 10, 2010

DC CFO Certifies Washington Teachers’ Union Contract  

Groundbreaking Contract Can Now Move to Teachers for Ratification Vote

Jennifer Calloway, DCPS
(202) 701-9364 (mobile)

David Umansky, OCFO
(202) 727-0058 (desk)

Mafara Hobson, EOM
(202) 744-4549 (mobile)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Natwar M. Gandhi announced fiscal certification of the groundbreaking tentative agreement between District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU). DCPS identified $38.8 million needed in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 to support the contract and they were certified by the Chief Financial Officer. To realize this amount, DCPS has successfully produced a slate of FY 2010 and 2011 budget adjustments.

“I would like to thank Dr. Gandhi and Chancellor Rhee for working so diligently to solve any outstanding questions about this revolutionary contract,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “With fiscal certification, we are closer than ever before to providing teachers what they need to make DCPS a world-class school system.”

Gandhi said, “My staff worked closely with the Mayor’s and the Chancellor’s people and once they identified the local funds needed to secure the contract, we certified that they are legally available for this purpose. In addition, we have also put controls in place to guarantee the teachers do not have to be concerned about the city meeting its contractual obligations.”

DCPS BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS

To provide fiscal certification, DCPS had to work with funds in-hand. DCPS was able to pinpoint $38.8 million in funds to address the spending pressures, budget concerns and actual funds needed to sustain the contract:

• $20.1 million in offsetting budget adjustments to FY 2010
• Fully utilize $18.7 million in previously identified federal stimulus funds, federal payment funds and Title I dollars to support contract-related teacher raises

These are short-term adjustments in anticipation of the disbursement of private funds, which are expected to be available within 30 days of contract approval by the DC Council. The majority of the FY 2010 budget adjustments were carefully selected to minimize impact to schools. Once the private funds have been received, DCPS will use them for their stated purpose—to support high-quality teaching in the District.

“With this contract, DC teachers will be treated as true professionals—with high standards, strong, guaranteed support to help them succeed in the classroom, and compensation at the high levels they deserve,” said DCPS Chancellor Michelle Rhee. “We believe it is incredibly important to bring every available resource to bear for supporting teachers and improving our school system. The funders share our vision for reform, and we deeply appreciate their generosity and willingness to work with the District.”

NEXT STEPS

The tentative agreement will now move to Washington Teachers’ Union members for a vote on ratification. To review the proposed contract in its entirety, please visit www.wtulocal6.org.