This book focuses on the District of Columbia's public school system, which has had long-standing problems related to overall management, student academic performance, and the condition of school facilities. Between fiscal years 2004 and 2009, Congress appropriated approximately $190 million in federal payments directly to the D.C. public school system to improve education. In those years, $85 million in federal payments went to the state education office to expand quality public charter schools under its jurisdiction. Another $105 million was provided to D.C. Public Schools to improve education in the traditional public schools under its jurisdiction.