DC Charter School Alliance Applauds Mayor Bowser's Budget Proposal

Washington, DC — Following Mayor Bowser’s FY26 budget release, DC Charter School Alliance Executive Director Ariel Johnson released the following statement in support of Mayor Bowser’s budget proposal:

“In a difficult budget year with many important competing priorities, we’re grateful for Mayor Bowser’s proposed FY26 budget that includes a 2.74% increase in the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula, funds to increase charter school facilities by 3.1% to keep pace with rising costs, and $30.8 million for charter school educator pay increases. We know city leaders are facing many hard budget choices right now, and we applaud their consistent investment in education. We look forward to working with the Council to advance a budget that aligns with their commitment to equitable funding. 

“As we look ahead to FY27, we are concerned that the budget also proposes steep cuts to the UPSFF and freezing the charter school facilities allotment increase. These cuts would exacerbate inequitable funding between DCPS and public charter schools when we serve nearly the same number of students. We are eager to work with Mayor Bowser and Council to find solutions that prevent these catastrophic reductions.”