Richmond City School Board to review new budget revisions for next school year

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is revising its proposed budget after receiving less funding from the city than originally anticipated.

The Richmond School Board is expected to review the updated budget during its meeting on Tuesday, May 6. The latest version reflects changes since the budget was first introduced in February.

According to the presentation prepared for Monday’s meeting, Mayor Danny Avula’s proposed city budget includes a $9.6 million increase for RPS. That’s in addition to nearly $12 million the district is receiving from the state.

Altogether, the district’s revised operating budget is now seeing a $14.6 million increase to be invested in five key areas: academics, talent, wellness, engagement and operations.

In the academics category, the majority of the funding -- around $5.5 million -- will be going toward multilingual learner teachers. The budget also includes investments in expanding its student mentorship program, which RPS said increased multilingual learner graduation rates last year.

A 3% raise is also proposed for teachers, instructional specialists and nurses in the talent area.

The proposed CIP Budget, which covers major facility expenses, is expected to be $2.5 million. This would include funding for fire safety and plumbing replacements at several schools, as well as replacing part of the roof at Richmond Community High School.

However, the updated proposal also includes more than $13 million in reductions. Those cuts include $3 million initially set aside for long-standing staff vacancies, and $1 million that would have supported grant-funded positions.

The school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Richmond City Hall on Tuesday, May 6.