OSSE Moves Forward on Non-resident Enforcement

May 16, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OSSE Contact: Marc Caposino

202-727-7207

Washington, D.C. - Every year the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) contracts an independent auditor to conduct an annual student enrollment audit in D.C. As part of the audit, the independent auditor reports the number of students whose residency could not be verified at the time of the audit. Specifically, the report identifies non-resident students enrolled in D.C. Public Schools (DCPS), Public Charter Schools (PCS) and Non-Publics (private special education schools or programs). Additionally, the report identifies how many non-resident students have been assessed and paid tuition.

Following the formal audit, OSSE provides an appeals process for all LEAs. The appeals panel is comprised of three individuals (two OSSE staff members and one member of the Deputy Mayor for Education staff). The appeals information is collected and shared with the auditor who meets with the panel to review each individual case. Based on the careful review of this information, the OSSE enrollment audit appeals panel makes final determinations. These final determinations are shared with each school prior to the release of the final audit numbers.

“Education is free, but not without cost,” said State Superintendent Hosanna Mahaley, noting that Maryland and Virginia residents attending public school in the District place an unfair burden on D.C. taxpayers.

“This process is not punitive as much as an opportunity to reassure District residents who are paying taxes in D.C. and playing by the rules.”

OSSE is investigating students whose residency could not be verified to ensure that payments are made. In the event of non-payment, OSSE will make referrals to the D.C. Attorney General for collection and prosecution. The final audit report includes the following information about the number of students whose residency could not be verified at the time of the audit.

The chart below breaks down the specific numbers for the District:

	DCPS	PCS	Non-Public Schools	Total
Total Enrollment	45,191	31,562	1,716	78,469
Non-Resident Enrollment	198	38	118	354
Paying Non-Resident Students	72	6	0	78
Non-resident students who did NOT pay tuition (and % makeup of total enrollment)	126 (0.3%)	32 (0.1%)	118 (6.9%)	276 (0.35%)

Upon reviewing all the information, OSSE will issue a report summarizing the non-resident payments.