RPS puts $8.9M budget crisis in Mayor Avula's hands
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Mayor Avula at the Supreme Court of Virginia this year for Chief Justice Cleo Powell's investiture ceremony. Photo: Mike Kropf-Pool/Getty Images
Richmond Public Schools is looking to City Hall for a financial lifeline after the delayed state budget left the district with an unexpected $8.9 million shortfall.
Why it matters: The city's next move could determine whether Richmond students see larger class sizes and fewer mental health supports this fall.
- RPS has already closed its virtual school and laid off over 70 people this year.
The big picture: The school board wants Mayor Danny Avula to use $5.6 million in short-term rental tax revenue and other local funds to avoid "these drastic cuts."
- The board formally asked Avula on Tuesday to do so by proposing budget amendments to City Council.
- It's unclear whether the mayor will agree.
- In a Thursday letter obtained by Axios, Avula told the board, Superintendent Jason Kamras and City Council that his administration is reviewing the request.
What they're saying: "The situation is challenging, and all of us who are invested in the long-term success of RPS must find a path forward together," Avula wrote, adding that he expects to know more "in the coming weeks."
- Avula's office declined to offer further comment to Axios.
Catch up quick: Kamras warned the school board on Monday that the district landed on "fairly desperate measures" after the state delivered less funding than RPS anticipated.
- The proposals include eliminating all 88 annual substitute teachers, cutting 15 vacant teaching positions, freezing some hiring and reducing mental health contracts.
- Other alternatives floated in a Tuesday meeting: eliminating vacant central office jobs, scaling back leadership contracts, reducing after-school transportation and furloughing the leadership team to avoid districtwide furloughs.
Friction point: In a heated and emotional public comment on Tuesday, teachers, parents and union leaders argued classrooms shouldn't bear the burden until RPS fully scrutinizes its finances.
- Several speakers renewed calls for an audit, citing recent financial controversies.
Between the lines: The board is also wondering how the district got here. Board member Anne Holton said she's "befuddled" at how RPS' own "worst-case scenario" underestimated the loss.
- Kamras, and some board members, said state legislators had repeatedly assured leaders that funding would be "demonstrably better" than expected.
What we're watching: The school board could reconvene later this month to finalize the budget plan before its Aug. 11 meeting. Most RPS students return in late August.