D.C. Mayoral School Takeover Cost $86 million

According to a report in the Washington Times:

D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's takeover of the public school system would cost the city $86.5 million over four years, but could be funded through the mayor's proposed budget and financial plan, officials said.

In a financial analysis dated Monday, Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi told D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray that "funds are sufficient in [the mayor's plan] to implement the provisions of the proposed legislation as introduced."

However, Mr. Gandhi cautioned that his office's study "focuses only on the implications of the restructuring" of the education system under Mr. Fenty's proposal and does not take into account later decisions that may be made by the mayor's office under the reform.

It seems like a stiff price tag, but then again, if it works, the price is peanuts compared to the current morass.