Richmond City School Board members include funding for virtual academy in proposed 2027 budget
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In a 6-2 decision on Tuesday, Richmond City School Board members voted to fully fund Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA) in the proposed 2027 budget.
On Tuesday, March 3, Richmond City School Board members voted to amend Superintendent Jason Kamras’ 2027 budget.
Amendments included honoring all existing collective bargaining commitments and a 2% raise for staff currently in negotiation, as well as funding for summer school and increasing the district’s share of health insurance costs.
School board members also changed the proposed 50/50 split on the increase in health insurance costs to a proposed 75/25 split, with RPS taking on the majority.
However, the proposal also included potential cuts, such as the RVA Program, which was launched at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year to give preschool and elementary school students the opportunity to learn from home.
Teachers, parents and students spoke about how important the academy is to them.
“Learning from home gave me peace," said a Richmond Public Schools (RPS) 11th grader. "It gave me focus. It gave me a world without fear of bullying."
“It is irresponsible to gamble on the future of these children, these students, and the next generation of the City of Richmond and this great state,” said an RPS educator.
Kamras argued that adding the RVA Program to the already tight budget could mean re-evaluating it months later if the city provides less funding than expected.
RPS parents said the students are worth the risk.
“My son is disabled," said parent Jacqueline Wilson. "Federal law says that he deserves free appropriate public education in a least restrictive environment."
“It allows kids the opportunity to learn at their own pace while also being challenged," said Adam Rose. "It provides an opportunity that in-person school can’t and virtual learning won't."
Funding for the RPS budget will now be left for Mayor Danny Avula to approve on March 11.
