FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 07, 2026
CONTACT: Jessica Giles
(202) 599-0089 | Jessica@strongschoolsnow.org

Washington, D.C. Today, the DC Council took its final vote, officially passing the nearly $22 billion Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026. In response, Jessica Giles, Executive Director of the Center for Strong Public Schools DC (CSPS DC), made the following statement:

“In a challenging year for school budgeting, hundreds of members of our education community took action to expand educational opportunity for DC students under the #ClosetheGapDC banner. Through petitions, digital outreach, and direct correspondence with Councilmembers, we helped secure a budget that takes critical steps to close the gap in preK-12 funding, academic achievement, and degrees and credentials for high school graduates. 

“We appreciate Chairman Mendelson and the DC Council for their commitment to supporting students and expanding opportunity. But our work together is not yet done.

“Beyond this budget cycle, our coalition of students, educators, parents, and community leaders will continue to advocate for the education all students deserve: one that is equitably funded and high-quality, regardless of sector. ”

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ABOUT:
The Center for Strong Public Schools (CSPS) is a 501(c)(3) organization with offices in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Our D.C. Office works to ensure that every student—especially Black, Brown, and low-income students—attends a high-quality public school regardless of their zip code. We elevate research for policymakers and convene leaders to drive improvement. Learn more at strongschoolsnow.org/dc.