District of Columbia:

Planned Funding and Schedule for D.C. Public Schools' Modernization Program Are Unrealistic

GAO-02-815R, Jul 25, 2002

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In April 2002, GAO testified on the major challenges facing the District of Columbia Public School system faces in modernizing and renovating the District's schools (see GAO-02-628T). The school system, with the assistance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has made considerable progress in making emergency repairs during the past few years. However, the school system now faces the more complex task of modernizing--either through renovation or through new construction--virtually every public school in the District of Columbia. As a result, the school system must adopt a modernization program that will cost significantly more and take longer to accomplish than originally projected. In addition, the school system faces the challenge of ensuring that sufficient funds are budgeted for asbestos management activities.

Status Legend:

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  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendations for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Superintendent of District of Columbia Public Schools should ensure that the school system's modernization program is revised to reflect cost, schedule, and budget realities.

    Agency Affected: District of Columbia: Public Schools

    Status: Closed - Not Implemented

    Comments: In its written comments, the school system disagreed with the recommendation. The school system did not remotely suggest that it planned to implement this recommendation.

    Recommendation: The Superintendent of District of Columbia Public Schools should ensure that all necessary asbestos management activities are adequately funded.

    Agency Affected: District of Columbia: Public Schools

    Status: Closed - Not Implemented

    Comments: In its written comments, the school system disagreed with the recommendation. The school system did not remotely suggest that it planned to implement this recommendation.