RPS-City council joint meeting highlights challenges for upcoming for Fiscal Year 27 budget

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Issues regarding aging infrastructure and lack of funds are at the top of Richmond leaders’ minds as they prepare for the FY27 budget cycle.

On Thursday Aug. 28, Richmond Public School (RPS) leaders met with Mayor Danny Avula and city council members to present where their current budget stands, critical issues at hand and what they need to fix them.

Superintendent Jason Kamras highlighted the total operating budget of $524,132,298 with $248,880,792 from the city, $191,614,440 from the state, and $19,143,467 from the federal government.

“Going through the budget process last year, just opened up some realities to the fact that the way that school and education is funded in our city is complicated,” said Avula.

Superintendent Jason Kamras said compared to this year's overall budget next year's will start $20 million behind due to collective bargaining commitments, projected health insurance increases and the end of one-time income like the historic tax credits given to restore Williams Fox Elementary School.

Kamras said the city has given the division $200 million for new construction projects like Richmond High School for the Arts and the Career Tech Education (CTE) center on Maury Street, but more money is needed.

“The answer lies not in City Hall, but in the building across the street,” said Kamras referring to state leaders at the General Assembly building.

According to data leaders presented at a meeting, RPS has a $2.5 million capital maintenance budget but needs $37 million to fix aging buildings which includes roofing, doors and windows and HVAC systems.

Kamras said state leaders must do their part to help with these problems. “We are truly in this together. This is about families. It’s not just kids or adults,” said Kamras.