During a recent budget oversight hearing, the District of Columbia's SchoolConnect program was a focal point, with officials revealing that while 381 students have been served this school year, the current active enrollment is closer to 300. This discrepancy arises from the program's policy of removing students who do not consistently use the service, highlighting the challenges of maintaining stable enrollment numbers.

Chairperson Brianne Nadeau inquired about the program's future, specifically regarding potential expansions if the mayor's budget is approved. Officials clarified that there are no plans for significant growth; instead, the funding request aims to sustain the program at its current capacity. The budget for FY26 is projected at approximately $16,000 to $17,000 per student, with total expenditures for the current fiscal year expected to reach around $4.8 million.

The discussion also touched on the program's efficiency, with officials asserting that the current operational model is optimized for the resources available. They emphasized that while they strive for cost-effectiveness, the focus remains on safely transporting students to and from school. The program has received over 800 applications for the limited 300 spots, underscoring the high demand and the need for careful prioritization of applicants based on factors such as safety and need.

Concerns were raised about the lack of comprehensive data on the program's impact on student attendance and truancy rates. Officials acknowledged the need for better metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of SchoolConnect, particularly as it relates to reducing truancy and improving educational outcomes. The hearing concluded with a commitment to enhance outreach efforts to ensure that high-risk students are aware of the program and to explore potential collaborations with other agencies to address broader attendance issues.