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How will a government shutdown affect D.C. public schools?

By: Kavitha Cardoza // April 8, 2011
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During a government shutdown, district agencies can employ personnel related to public safety, public health, or the protection of property. This includes public schools, according to a DCPS spokesperson.

Principals, teachers, custodial and support staff — approximately 7,000 employees — would continue to work. So would approximately 350 central office employees. School buses would run and after-school and extracurricular programming would continue as usual.

The University of the District of Columbia is arguing that if public schools can remain open, UDC should be able to as well. President Alan Sessoms is warning of "serious negative consequences" if the school has to shut down. Students are in the middle of their final exams and are getting ready for commencement.

Even if UDC closes, however, Wilson High School, which is housed on its campus, will remain open.

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