Richmond City School Board extends superintendent’s contract 4 more years

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond City School Board voted to extend the superintendent's contract four more years during the Tuesday night board meeting.

Kamras joined the Richmond Public School system on Feb. 1, 2018, and his contract will extend through June 30, 2029. After considering multiple factors, academic outcomes, leadership and progress toward district-wide goals, the school board believes that Kamras' continued position will bring "momentum and stability across Richmond Public Schools under Superintendent Kamras’s leadership."

In an 8-1 vote during the city school board meeting on Tuesday, May 6, the Richmond Public School Board voted to renew Kamras' contract through the 2028-2029 school year.

Just before the vote, 6th District Member Shonda Harris-Muhammed, who has remained firm in creating an equitable school division for students regardless of zip code, would cast the single "no" vote ahead of Kamras' contract rewnwal.

“I do not see — have seen — major progress that I feel for all students should have occurred,” Harris-Muhammed said. “I am still going to stay 10 toes down for all students, regardless of their zip code, the people who work for Richmond Public Schools, and everyone else who pours into Richmond Public Schools.”

"I will not do is babysit a lack of accountability, that's not what I'm going to do," she continued. "I was not built that way. I was not raised that way, and so I look forward to continuing the work with all of you, but I felt deeply in my soul that you needed to hear from me before I just voted no."

Kamras shared a statement about this extension, emphasizing his commitment to Richmond Public Schools.

"Serving as RPS Superintendent has been the greatest professional honor of my life. I'm deeply grateful to Chair Fernandez, Vice-Chair Percival, and the entire School Board for entrusting me with the responsibility — and privilege — of serving our 22,000 students for four more years. RPS is unequivocally on the rise, as evidenced by everything from our early literacy scores to our graduation rates. But we have so much more to do to ensure that all of our students are prepared to live choice-filled lives in pursuit of their dreams. I have every confidence that, together, as one RPS family, we will achieve this goal and, in doing so, chart a more just and equitable future for Richmond." Jason Kamras, Superintendent

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula highlighted his excitement to continue working with Kamras into the 2028-2029 school year.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Superintendent Kamras and the School Board to make progress for our kids on our shared mission, vision, and values so that all kids graduate Richmond Public Schools well-prepared for success and connected to opportunities for further learning and career development,” Avula said in a statemnt from Wednesday, May 7.

“Our children are the heart of Richmond’s future, and I’m excited as we continue to work closely with RPS on key objectives such as student wellness, academics, and talent,” Avula added.

In a list of goals the Board set, they aim to achieve 100% of third graders reading on grade level and a notable increase in on-time graduation. They also mentioned they hope to grow Virginia's educator workforce and modernize school facilities, as per the board.

"Every student in Richmond — regardless of background or circumstance — deserves access to a world-class public education, and we remain focused on making that vision a reality," the board said in the announcement.