By Elissa Silverman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 29, 2007

Many D.C. public schools opened the academic year with improved facilities but still had trouble hiring teachers and getting enough instructional materials, particularly in high school classrooms, according to a survey of principals throughout the system.

The report, released last night by the nonprofit group D.C. Voice, found that one in three schools had not completed teacher hiring by Aug. 21, the first day of school for teachers.

Delays in hiring were most acute for high schools. Only about four in 10 principals said they had finished hiring teachers by Aug. 21.

The report, the group's fourth annual summary, was expanded, as a mayoral takeover and restructuring efforts focused public attention on the long-under-performing school system.

The data showed that the emphasis by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and his new schools chancellor, Michelle A. Rhee, on getting school facilities into shape for the first day of school paid off. About $250 million was spent on repairing and sprucing up school buildings.

"There was overwhelming, though not universal, approval of the facilities work accomplished this summer," the report says.

Principals also said that the system's central office seemed more responsive and proactive than in previous years.

Principals of 137 of the city's 142 public schools were interviewed for the report by 191 volunteers, who asked detailed questions about staffing, professional development and facilities.

Along with other restructuring efforts, the city schools this year finished moving ninth-grade students from junior high schools to high schools. A supplemental report, completed with the assistance of the Senior High Alliance for Parents, Principals and Educators, the Youth Education Alliance and Parents United for the D.C. Public Schools, focused on the readiness of high schools in a few additional areas, including counseling and security.

Recruitment and hiring remained troublesome for high schools, particularly in math and science. According to the report, seven in 10 high school principals reported that they had not received enough applications.

Principals also reported that some teachers failed to notify them that they would not be returning for the 2007-08 school year.

In addition, the report says the school system should improve mentoring of new teachers, recommending that the city invest in more training and support for teachers and principals.

Additional recommendations include increasing the per-student funding formula for high school students, providing comprehensive library services and improving support systems for ninth-grade students.

Principals of elementary and high schools reported differences in school security. Although 99 percent of elementary schools reported having adequate security personnel, 77 percent of high schools said they had the necessary equipment and staff.

"We have gaps" in security equipment and personnel, one principal said in the report. "We're operating under what we need for the number of students we have."