WASHINGTON (7News) — Since the pandemic, DCPS has spent millions of dollars on thousands of laptops, iPads, and student internet access — but as school-specific cuts are planned for the 2025 school year, concerns are rising over how effectively this and other DCPS money was spent.
RELATED | DC Council president questions DCPS spending decisions, oversight
During an Oct. 23 council oversight hearing, D.C. Council President Phil Mendelson pressed DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee on technology, security, and administrative spending.
The chancellor assured councilmembers DCPS bought “devices to last,” however, an audit report suggests the opposite. According to the audit, DCPS lacks an accurate count of devices across schools, meaning the District cannot track their condition or determine how long each device will be serviceable.
Here’s the full report:
Mendelson expressed frustration during the hearing, demanding a full accounting of the spending.
“I want an accounting, and I can get stubborn about this,” he said.
DCPS’ 2025 budget proposal includes over $2 million in new technology expenses, broken down into $730,914 for electronic learning, $290,546 for IT supplies, and $951,724 for equipment and hardware.
Chancellor Ferebee has committed to providing additional financial records to the city council in the coming weeks. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the council plan to provide DCPS with an additional $192 million next year.
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