DC Council Questions DC CFO and School Chancellor Rhee Over Teachers Budget

WASHINGTON - “Get it straight.” That was the message from one D.C. Council member who was upset over a budget issue with the new teachers’ contract.

Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi and School Chancellor Michelle Rhee testified in front of the council about a funding shortfall found after the contract was announced.

Gandhi said he could not certify the agreement as it stands. Council members took turns asking questions about how this could happen and why the budget issue was not discovered before the contract was announced to the media.

FOX 5 has learned part of the problem comes from private donations. The school system was promised millions of dollars from private donors, but only if Rhee remains with D.C. Schools. District leaders say those donations could not count as part of the overall school budget.

FOX 5 has been told work is taking place behind the scenes. As of Friday night, there was still a shortfall of about $10 million.