RPS School Board Meeting - February 3, 2026

001All right, I feel like we're ready to go. We're ready. Good evening, everyone. We'd like to call the uh business session and public budget public hearing school board meeting into order. Madame clerk, >> Mr. PL >> here. >> Mr. Ricard >> here. >> Mr. Farooq >> here. >> Mr. Hedgepath >> here. >> Miss Rizzy >> here. >> Miss Burke. >> Mr. Jafari >> here. >> Miss Fernandez here. We have a quorum. >> Thank you. And now we'll have our pledge of allegiance and moment of silence led by Mr. Hitchbath. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag. and now we'll have our translation services announcement. >> Good evening everyone. On behalf of the language justice team, we welcome you. If you need interpretation from English to Spanish, please come see me. I will be at the

002table in the back with the interpreters. We have interpretation headsets for anyone that needs one. Interpretation in Spanish is also available for those watching this meeting through Zoom. I want to remind everyone to please speak at a normal pace and keep your face no more than a few inches away from the microphones so that our interpreters can hear you clearly. I will now make this announcement in Spanish. He was Thank Gracias. >> Thank you. Moving right along to 1.04. Approve the minutes of January 5th, 2025 or is that supposed to be 2026? Do we need to correct that or is that okay to just call it out for what it's supposed to be? We can read it into the record with the correct date. >> Okay. So, we will read into record 1.04. approve the

003minutes of January 5th, 2026 and January 6th, 2026 school board meetings. Mr. Hedgeback. >> Madame Chair, I move that we approve the minutes of the January 5th, 2026 and January 6th, 2026 schoolboard meetings. >> It's been moved by Mr. Hedgeb and seconded by Mr. Jafari. Madame Clerk, >> Mr. PCL, >> yes. >> Mr. Ricard, >> yes. >> Mr. Peroo, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Hedgepath. >> Yes. >> Miss Rizzy, >> yes. >> Miss Burke, >> yes. >> Mr. Jafari, >> yes. >> Miss Fernandez, >> yes. Motion passes, let the record reflect that Miss P arrived at 6:07 p.m. Thank you. And before we adopt the agenda, I believe that there are some amendments. Mr. Pible. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we amend the agenda for February 3rd school board business session to

004add item 6.03 receive for approval multi-year school support plans and item 6.04 receive for approval calendar changes >> second. >> It's been moved by Mr. PL and seconded by Mr. Hedgepath. Madame clerk Mr. Pible. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ricard. >> Yes. >> Mr. Baroo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hedgepath, >> yes. >> Miss Rizzy, >> yes. >> Miss Burke, >> yes. >> Mr. Jafari, >> yes. >> Miss Fernandez, >> yes. >> Motion passes. So now we need to adopt the agenda. Mr. Pival. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. My mistake. I forgot to add the phrase and adopt the agenda as amended. So I move that we adopt the agenda as amended. My apologies. >> Second. It's been moved by Mr. Perl and seconded by Mr. Hedgebath. Madame clerk, >> Mr. Perl, >> yes. >> Miss Ricard,

005>> yes. >> Mr. Farooq, >> yes. >> Mr. Hedgepath, >> yes. >> Mr. Rizzy, >> yes. >> Miss Berg, >> yes. >> Mr. Jafari, >> Miss Fernandez, >> yes. >> Motion passes. >> Wonderful. Moving right along to one of our favorite parts, recognition. Starting off with the student representative, Mr. Cameras. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, and good evening, everyone. I am delighted to introduce Zion Terry from John Marshall High School. Zion is a senior at JM blends athletic discipline with a heart for community service. As a dedicated member of the National Honor Society, Zion has proven himself to be a scholar who not only excels in the classroom, but also leads by example through action and empathy. Zion is a familiar face in leadership circles serving on the superintendent student advisory committee where he helps

006shape the student experience. His commitment to personal and academic excellence is further highlighted by his involvement in KR scholars and young life programs that reflect his drive to stay grounded in community and growth. With a strong belief in giving back, Zion has spearheaded vital initiatives to support those around him. From assembling winter warm heart bags filled with essential gear for families in need to organizing the John Marshall Jingle Jangle event. When he isn't competing on the track team, Z prioritizes his personal evolution and creative expression. He finds balance in painting and cherishing time with his friends, maintaining a focus on self-improvement keeps him motivated and inspired. Upon graduation, Zion will pursue a career in the medical field, aiming to become a nurse. Driven by a desire for adventure and a commitment to service, he aims

007to eventually become a traveling nurse, providing highquality care to diverse populations while gaining invaluable real world experience. Zion is a focused, hardworking leader poised to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare. Please join me in welcoming Zion. Good evening, school board members and superintendent cameras. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak today. I am honored and grateful to be here. In just a few months, I will be proudly graduating from Jar. Marshall High School. J. Marshall has truly become a second family for me, and I built meaningful relationships with staff, peers, and created memories that would cur me long after graduation. Entering high school was as a ninth grader was a little scary. I didn't know what to expect, but it didn't take long for me to find my place, my

008community, and a sense of belonging. The moments you see on social media reflect what truly happens at Jar Marshall. The teachers and staff who deeply care about our success, not only academically, but as a whole. As a senior, I'm excited about the future, but I'm also nervous. Like my peers, I like I feel pressure that comes with making major decisions in life at such a young age. While preparing to attend college, others are choosing different paths and they need guidance to figure it out. On top of that, many students are balancing mental health and family responsibilities and even working long hours to support theirelves and their household. I can honestly say I would not navigating the transition without the support system at my school. I have benefited from future center workshops, guidance, colleges, applications from

009financial aid, scholarship research with my counselors, and mental health through child savers. From the outside, it may look like I have everything together, but I was brave enough to ask for help when anxiety came overwhelming. That decision made a big difference for me. I honestly ask the I respectfully ask the school board and superintendent cameras to recognize the value impact mental health support and continue investing in them. For some students, these programs are the only safe place. They are the reason why people why the students show up every day and keep engaged when things get heavy. Preparing for adulthood at the age of 17 and 18 can be overwhelming and counselors such as graph advisors and future center staff along our side truly matters. Before I close, I would like to mention about school meals.

010Many students relied on them daily and I asked for we asked for more healthy options, more consistency and more more consistency and also including voices would including student voices would really make a diff a real difference. I love Russian public schools and soon will be a proud graduate. I hope my voice will student voices continue to be heard moving forward to support all students. Thank you for your time and listening. Thank you so much and very well said. At this time, uh, unfortunately, we've gotten so used to the amazing presentation that our kiddos are able to give us every week via video, but as we all know, because of the ice storm, we haven't been able to um connect in person. And so, tonight, you'll have to bear with us as the school board reads

011the resolutions. It doesn't have the same spunk as hearing it from our kiddos, but we hope that we can at least do it justice because the recognition is still deserved. So, I'll just go around the room and ask um each of you to read one resolution. We'll start off with Katie Ricard uh with um 2.02 if you could read recognition of national board certified teachers. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Whereas national board certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. Whereas the national bird board certified teacher program was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Whereas Richmond Public Schools is committed to excellence in the education of all students and recognizes the importance of supporting

012and rewarding our accomplished teachers. Whereas RPS commends Lindy Williams of Mary Mumford Elementary School who received the renewal of her national board certification. Now therefore, may I proclaim that Richmond public schools hereby recognizes and honors Lindy Williams by completing the maintenance of certification program for National Board Certified Teachers in accordance with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and calls upon all schools and community members to join in this recognition. >> Congratulations to Miss Williams. Now we'll move forward with um 2.03 receive proclamation for school crossing guards. Um Mr. Hedgeb whereas school crossing guards play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of RPS students and families as they travel to and from school each day. And whereas these dedicated individuals provide a safe passage at busy intersections, protect our children, and foster

013a culture of safety in our schools, school communities. And whereas school crossing guards serve with love as trusted and familiar faces in school communities, building positive relationships that contribute to a welcoming and supportive start and end to each school day. And whereas RPS partnership with fit for kids, which trains our crossing guards, contributes to safer school zones, encourages walking and biking to school, and promotes a sense of security for parents and caregivers. Now therefore be it proclaimed that Richmond Public Schools recognizes and celebrates February 11, 2026 as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day and encourages all schools and community members to join in this celebration. >> Thank you so much for 2.04 receive proclamation for Black History Month, Miss Stephanie Rizzy. Thank you. Where is Whereas in 1926, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Native Virginia, established

014what would become Black History Month to celebrate the profound contributions, achievements, and cultural influence of black Americans throughout history. And whereas in 2026, Richmond Public Schools asks every community member to recognize 100 years of black history and honor the remarkable legacy embedded in the fabric of the Richmond community, a city rich with stories of resilience, leadership, innovation, and progress. And whereas Richmond public schools acknowledges that black history is both historic and living, reflected not only in milestones of the last century, but also in the brilliance, creativity, and leadership of black students, staff, and alumni across our school community today. And whereas Richmond public schools is committed to cultivating learning environments that affirm identity, deepen understanding, and empower students to engage with history critically while envisioning their role in creating a more just and inclusive future.

015Now therefore, be it complaint proclaimed that Richmond Public Schools recognizes and celebrates February 2026 as Black History Month and encourages all schools and community members to join this celebration. >> Thank you so much. 2.05 receive proclamation for school counselors week. Mr. Whereas school counselors play a vital role in supporting the academic achievement, social emotional development and postsecondary readiness of students across Richmond public schools. And whereas school counselors foster inclusive and affirming school environments where students feel a strong sense of belonging, connection, and confidence to be their authentic selves. And whereas this year's theme, school counselors amplify student success, highlights the powerful impact school counselors have in helping students succeed in school and beyond. And whereas through individualized guidance, advocacy, and collaboration with families, educators, and community partners, school counselors help students navigate challenges, set goals,

016and build skills for lifelong success. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that Richmond Public Schools hereby recognizes February 2nd through 6th, 2026 as National School Counseling Week and encourages all schools and community members to join this celebration. >> Thank you. And now for 2.06 received proclamation for school board clerk appreciation week. school board clerk appreciation week. Thank you. Whereas school board clerks play a critical role in supporting effective governance by ensuring accurate records, transparent processes, and compliance with state and local regulations. And whereas school board clerks prepare agendas, record minutes, and facilitate communication between the Richmond City School Board, Richmond Public School staff, students, families, and community stakeholders. And whereas through professionalism, attention to detail, and deep institutional knowledge, the Richmond public schools board clerk and deputy clerk serve as a trusted resource for board members,

017staff, and the community. And whereas the dedication and hard work of the Richmond public schools school board clerk and deputy clerk significantly contribute to advancing the mission of Richmond public schools and supporting students success. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that Richmond Public Schools recognizes and celebrates February 16th through 20th, as school board clerk appreciation week and encourages all schools and community members to join this celebration. And we would be remiss if we did not give you just a little something to show our appreciation on behalf of the board. Miss Richardson as well as Miss who is not here tonight. We want to thank you so much for the support that you do to ensure that we run smoothly on the scene and off the scene and everywhere in between. So, this is just a token

018of our appreciation to say thank you for all the amazing work you do to represent RPS and to make sure we stay looking good. So, we thank you so much for all of your efforts. >> Thank you all very much. Thank you. I like it. I like it a lot. Okay. Now, moving right along to 2.07, receive proclamation for school board appreciation month. Mr. Pible. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Whereas the education of our children is the foundation for a thriving and prosperous community and school boards serve as a critical link between public schools and the community they serve. And whereas the dedicated members of the Richmond City School Board lead with love, devoting their time, leadership, and expertise to ensuring equitable access to highquality education, strong learning environments, and opportunities that allow every student

019to thrive. And whereas the Richmond School Board plays a vital role in setting the vision, policies, and priorities that guide Richmond public schools in service of students, families, and the broader community. And whereas through collaboration with educators, staff, families, and community partners, the Richmond School Board works to uphold accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that Richmond Public Schools recognizes and celebrates February 2026 as schoolboard appreciation month and encourages all schools and community members to join this celebration. >> Mr. Cameras. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. As a token of our appreciation and admiration for the Richmond City School Board, we have some certificates for you as well as bouquets of flowers. Can we all show our appreciation to the Richmond City School Board? While those are being passed out,

020can we also show our appreciation to our board leadership, Chair Fernandez and Vice Chair Perl. It's not easy doing what they do and we are so grateful for it. >> Thank you so much. It is truly an honor to serve the community and RPS as a whole. Um, we wouldn't have it any other way. The sacrifice is certainly worth it, but we appreciate you honoring us in this way. All right. Um, last but certainly not least, 2.08 receive proclamation of kindness week. Mr. Jafari. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I think it's only fitting uh Thanks for the kindness. Thank you. Thanks for the kindness. Okay. Whereas kindness is a powerful force that strengthens school communities, fosters positive relationships, and creates environments where students and staff feel safe, supported, and valued. And whereas acts of kindness,

021both big and small, promote empathy, respect, and understanding, contributing to improved well-being, academic success, and a stronger sense of connection across Richmond public schools. And whereas Virginia Kindness Week provides an opportunity to intentionally uplift kindness in action, encouraging our school communities to reflect on how compassion, inclusion, and care can be practiced daily to ensure everyone truly belongs. And whereas Richmond Public Schools is committed to cultivating a culture of belonging that honors the identities, experiences, and voices of every student, family, and staff member. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that Richmond Public Schools hereby recognizes February 10th through the 14th, 2026 as Virginia Kindness Week and encourages all schools and community members to join the celebration. >> Thank you. And now it's time for some pictures. >> Let's begin with kindness week. I believe we have members

022from culture, climate, and student services with their very beautiful shirts. So, let's come on down and take some pictures. >> I will also share as they transition down, there are a couple seats in the front. If um there are some in the back that like to transition up, uh feel free to do so. Thank you all for coming out. Um, and those that have been recognized, again, thank you so much for your efforts here at RPS. We're going to move right along to announcements. 3.01. Colleagues, do we have any announcements? Mr. Jafari. >> Thanks, Madam Chair. Just wanted to give a couple of shout outs and announcements uh for some of the eighth district activities uh starting with Bushaw. They're going to have the weekend academy. And I just wanted to remind everybody this weekend

023from uh what it's 9 to 12 this weekend Saturday uh awarding and celebrating Miss Veronica Davidson who is in the principal spotlight the teacher at Bushaw and we're going to have job shadowing day over at Bushaw on February the 6 from 10 to 2 p.m. And moving on to Blackwell. I do want to give another shout out to Blackwell for that house system that they've uh put together over there and it's very very nice system that they set up. Four houses, one purpose. So again, I want to just give a shout out to the activities in black in Blackwell and throughout the eighth district. Thanks, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Mr. Hitch. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a brief announcement for uh the February's edition of the parent teacher advisory council for the fourth

024district. Uh that will happen at Lucille Brown uh middle school in the library on February 24th from 5:30 to 6:30. U all folks from the fourth district are welcome and if you would like an official invitation, email me and I will send that your way. Thank you. >> Thank you. Miss Rizzie. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I'd first like to recognize the students who participated in the uh living the dream incorporated ortorial contest which took place on January 24th. We had many super talented students. The theme was a the students were asked to make a response to a passage from a a speech from Martin Luther King Jr. And um the students did a phenomenal job. It was very beautiful. Um and so I want to recognize student those students um Miss Miss Ricard,

025Mr. Faru, or Chair Fernandez. Yeah, we were all there and we were rooting for those kids and it was just a really great experience and it was Mr. Jafari, I'm so sorry, Mr. Jafari was also there. Um and and we just had a I mean it was a wonderful experience. And um I also want to announce a similar event that will be taking place on let me make sure I get the date correct February 7th which is really soon um at Hugenat High School. It's the Elita Davis oral contest. that is a yearly event and typically I think a hundred of our students participate in that one and so I know that they'd love to have some support. Um so yes, that's February 7th at 9:30 a.m. >> Thank you, Miss Burke. >> Thank you,

026Madam Chair. This past Sunday on February the uh 1st, Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU, and we have some students here tonight from VCU. I was told we were given 1,100 tickets to every teacher in Richmond public schools that could get five tickets just by going on the internet, per se, and registering that. Thank you to the team, engagement team, and all that helped to set that up. Thank you to the VCU um partners, their partnership there. And from what I understand, it was quite an event and we turned out well with our families. So, I'm very thankful that we had 1,100 teachers and family members to get out from under the weather to come out. And also, I'd like to remind everyone of the I was at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for Family Day.

027Please, if you haven't seen the exhibit with Alicia Keys and her husband, um, Swiss Swiss Beat Swiss Swiss beats, whatever. Swiss Beats. Okay, in other words, the Dean Collection. How about that? Entitled Giants. So, I understand that several schools have been attending, but the last day there is the end of this the 1 of March. So, it's worth the trip. And I think it's something else, but I think that's You want Maybe you want to announce that, right? >> Yes. Um, and and just as a reminder, all preschool children and state employees, including teachers, get in to Giants Free at the BMFA. >> Thank you, Mr. Perl. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, not so much an announcement as an appeal. Uh, as everyone should know by now, we will be doing a two-hour delay tomorrow.

028Start of schools. Bless you. If you can hear my voice, please, please go outside and ensure sidewalks are shoveled. The snow has started to melt a little bit. Our kiddos are going to be walking tomorrow. Parents are going to be walking tomorrow. Please shovel your sidewalk, shovel your neighbor's sidewalk if they can't, and help ensure that our kids get to and from school safely. Thank you, >> Mr. Farooq. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to announce that Henderson Middle School in the third district will be having a Black Entrepreneurs Showcase on Friday, February 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This is an opportunity for our students to be inspired by and hear from members of the community, especially black entrepreneurs, about ways in which they can start their own businesses, put their

029own ideas into effect. So, for those of you who are black entrepreneurs, please do contact Henderson if you're interested in being a part of that. And if you're not sure how to contact the middle school, you can always email me and I will connect you. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. >> I have quite a few. Miss Ricard, >> just one um announcement. Dogwood Middle School does a large dance showcase um and it is coming up at the end of this month and it is on February 27th I believe and then February 28th times are um February 27th at 700 p.m. and then the 28th at 11 a.m. So, it's also a great opportunity for the um RPS community to just come out and see what their arts integration looks like at Middle School.

030>> Thank you. I have quite a few, so I'll try and keep it uh brief. Um first, I just want to say thank you to the overwhelming amount of uh response to the stand standing strong together ICE um awareness meeting that we had. uh we had over 900 people register and more than half of them actually participate in the event and so we just want to thank you again not just for coming and lending your ear but also giving your advice suggestions. This is the first of many things to come and so we really just appreciate the level of collaboration that we had across the board. We have folks from we have partnerships, nonprofits, the city um and several other advocates were there. Um Sacred Heart was one of them. So many to name. Uh

031so I don't want to get in trouble, but just thanks again. We will be doing something similar at a later date. Also want to announce that for the ninth district, but all are welcome. We will be having a virtual meet and greet. Um, obviously with the weather it's hard to um predict sometimes and so we don't want that to be the barrier of us getting to know one another and me uh understanding what your concerns are and sharing um some of the priorities that we have in the ninth. Those are shaped by your feedback. And so I would love for you to come. You can register. I I'll make sure that I send out the information on all of my socials and ensure that we also get it out through via Remind. And so that

032will be on February 12th at 6:00 p.m. virtually. Um, also want to remind everyone that we will be having our first budget town hall. Uh, we heard your feedback loud and clear on last year. There's just not enough space and time to receive all of the amazing feedback that we have from all of those um, who have uh, recommendations and suggestions. And so we will be having that at River City Middle School on the 9th, which is next Monday at 6 PM. We welcome you to come out and share uh and to hear what uh the position is of the board concerning the budget recommendations. Um I also like to thank uh uh our very own Matthew Stanley from the administration for hosting our first ever virtual advocacy day. It was absolutely phenomenal. Thank you

033so much for your just passion and leadership. Uh we were able to connect with delegates uh along with senators um during general assembly and um it was just so invaluable. I don't want to start naming names but we had a lot of support there. Also want to give recognition. Uh we um the board was invited to our um core general assembly welcome um to jumpstart um the uh general assembly and I will tell you these are very intentional times for us to show up to give lend our support introduce ourselves there's a lot of new delegates um and uh we just wanted to uh introduce ourselves and I will say there was a a a resounding amount of board members that were there too many to name I want to again get in trouble. Um,

034but we did have a busy uh month. I also want to um give a shout out to the MLK ortorial contest that I was uh uh so privileged to be able to give words for. It was absolutely phenomenal. I can't wait to be able to so showcase their uh talent here in the near future. Also want to um give an opportunity to share about an amazing contest that we have uh coming up. I'm a part of a committee called the Next Wealth Gen Builders. And so those that are part of um with the blessing of my dear colleague Miss Rizzy at um u um Richmond High School of the Arts have an opportunity to um submit an application uh for literacy awareness where they can receive up to a $1,500 reward. And so, um, Principal

035Olds has already sent out that information, but if there's any questions, feel free to reach out to myself or him, um, and we can certainly give you more information um, regarding that. And certainly last but not least, I also want to give recognition um, for those who may not be aware, there was a group, a St. group that came um all the way down um their from their division to ours to just get a better understanding of the literacy structure that we have in place. Obviously uh notably we've been notorized for the excellent work that's been done in literacy. They went to Shimmerza as well as um to Reed Elementary School. And after that um a few of us had opportunity to sit down on a panel and they asked us uh um feedback concerning

036some of the wins and gains that we have as it relates to literacy. And so I just want to uh share that um you know we are notorized for the work that we're doing see doing in literacy education and so just super proud to be able to be a part of that conversation as we um not only gave feedback but was able to glean from them. Uh so they took away some things from us and we certainly took away some things from them. So with that, I would like to um thank everyone for uh their announcements and we will move forward with public information. Madame clerk, if you could share the guidelines. Speakers shall state their full legal name prior to addressing the school board. Speakers will address the school board as a whole rather

037than individual schoolboard members, division superintendent, schoolboard attorney, clerk, or any other staff member. School board will listen to comments but will not respond during the public information period. Persons appearing before the school board will not be allowed to one campaign for public office, two promote private business ventures, or three use profanity or vulgar language. If a community member's comments during the public information session relate to school-based issues, the chairman refer that individual to Richmond Public Schools Administration for one-on-one consultation and followup. It's important that community members who wish to participate in the public information period abide by the guidelines set forth from this policy. Refusal to abide by the policy will result in the forfeite of the remaining time that has been allotted to the speaker. Mean members may express their views in writing in

038lie of an oral presentation. Comments received in writing in the oral presentation will not be read during the meeting but shall be posted to the schoolboard platform board docs. Thank you so much. We will start off with our pre-registered guest first. Um, colleagues, we have about 15 that are registered. So, we should have time for a couple more that have not pre-registered. We'll just have to see how that goes. But I do want to give a distinction because someone gave asked a very important question earlier. What is the difference between public information comment and what is the difference between the budget hearing portion? So public is open to any and every feedback um that is related as as long as you follow the guidelines. What the budget hearing is specific to is just the budget

039so that you know the distinction between the two. So at this time we will call forth um we'll try and three at a time as you come up if you could sign the clipboard and pass it back. Um and as the last person uh goes to speak I will um call the next three up. So we have Oh yes. Um also just as a reminder um because of the time frame allotted um individuals will have two minutes and organizations will have three minutes. With that being said we'll ask RD Koffield, Andrea Bryant, and Paul Loren if you could come forward at this time. Again those names are Arty Koffield, Andrea Bryant, Paul Loren. if you could come forth in no particular order. Whoever gets here first, go ahead and sign in and pass it back.

040Oh, I thought I was going to use my teacher voice. Um, good evening, Chair Fernandez, members of the school board, and superintendent cameras. My name is Andrea Bryant, president of the Richmond Education Association. The REA is deeply concerned about the superintendent's proposed budget. The superintendent has an obligation to present a needs-based budget. The current proposal starts with cuts and ask students and frontline workers to absorb the impact. This proposal should have been a backup plan. When as when looking at the budget, there are lots of fluctuations. Here are some examples and questions. The budget demonstrates an increase in salaries for the superintendent's office while the enrollment placement and planning and finance departments are losing salaries. Who's going to take care of those responsibilities? What is going to happen to the work of the academic operations

041office? What about the workload of the curriculum and instruction department? What is happening to the early childhood education and multilingual learner success departments? Where are all the new psychologists going to be placed? What are what about the work of the RVA future centers department? What what are all the new positions being added in the talent office? What is happening with the nursing department while the school culture and climate department is experiencing an increase in non-professional services? Where are the new social work positions being placed? How is stu how is student transportation being increased if we are cutting transportation for afterchool programs? What is happening with retirement and benefits department? RPS staff members are expected to accept a pause on raises, leaving many feeling disconcerted at best. Freezing wages beyond the 1.17 step percent step increase

042for workers already stretched thin by inflation and burnout undermines morale and trust, especially with the idea of losing vision insurance and an increase in health insurance. The reductions in force tied to this proposal are even more alarming. Highquality staff cannot be recruited and retained if we are cutting positions without truly analyzing the impact which can lead to increased staff workload and accelerated burnout that can cause harm to students. The REA urges this board to demand a truly needs-based proposal to scrutinize the changes in the budget and to protect jobs, wages, and essential services as much as possible. Having a proposal that includes everything the district needs will provide more evidence of the money we need to advocate for. Also, for tonight's vote on adding the three additional school days to our calendar, please vote no.

043Many families and staff members have already made plans for those proposed days such as appointments, celebrations, trips, etc. Also, if we have a focus on improving absenteeism, adding these days is counterproductive. We can expect an increase in staff and student absences on those days. While we all agree that in-person learning is the ideal, this method is inconsiderate at best, especially when staff and students are expected to work to the best of their ability when student we have worked to the best of our ability over the past seven days. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, this will be the last call for Arty Koffield and Paul Loren if they are not here. Sophia Barbara Bria, Chloe Trier, and Lisa Deia. Good evening. Good evening. My name is Khloe Ter. I'm a teacher at Boo Shaw Middle

044School and an academic architect for RPS. I'm speaking tonight on behalf of the Richmond chapter of the Virginia Caucus of Rank and File Educators. We are a group of educators and REA members committed to fighting oppression and transforming our union and the public education system to better serve the people. We are deeply concerned about our immigrant students and their families. People in our community are being taken by federal agents ignoring civil rights and we are supposed to assure our students that everything is okay. The town hall last week was a step in the right direction and we appreciate the energy put into that. It was clearly needed evidenced by the number of participants. We are also happy to see the immigration resources hub on the front page of the district's website now along with an

045increased number of resources and in some improvement in communications at the town hall. Many important questions, especially by staff, were left unanswered. RPS's immigration policy operates under the assumption that ICE will listen to superintendent and school principles. As we have seen in other cities across the nation, that is not the case. The town hall provided little to no clarity for teachers and staff on how to respond to ICE presence beyond calling the superintendent. Superintendent cameras showing up isn't going to protect our kids. Clear protocols and mandatory trainings for all staff and wraparound supports for our students will. Staff that refuse to sit by and watch our community live in fear have been seeking out resources from each other, community members, and union organizers in other states who have robust procedures around immigrant solidarity and defense.

046We have suggestions if you'd like them. Until last week, across the district, a vast majority of staff and families did not know about the immigration resources available. Many still don't. Even if they are aware of it, many families will need someone who speaks their language and a support network to help them navigate their crisis if a family member has been taken by ICE. It does not appear that these resources have been translated to any other languages that our families speak beyond English and Spanish. This resource page does not include any local mutual aid efforts that have been critical to supporting immigrant families in Richmond thus far. Additionally, there's only one bilingual social worker who must split their time between multiple schools and the welcome center. It feels nearly impossible to connect non-English-speaking students to mental

047health services. The language line is not an effective tool for this. It is shameful for a district with a large percentage of multilingual learners and newcomers to have so few mental health resources for them. If our multilingual students aren't getting the supports they need now, what's going to happen when this potential 30% budget cut to mental health services for students? While RPS says it leads with love, few families see that in action at the district level in school staff. We are the lifeblood of RPS. We show what it looks like to lead with love every day. We invite you to come see that for yourself in our building so you understand our deep concern when we hear you are proposing to cut vital inschool positions. We would appreciate the opportunity to have our questions and

048concerns addressed so we can show and not just tell our students that they are safe with us. We are determined to create a positive impact and strongly believe that your involvement can make a significant difference. We must be prepared to stand in solidarity with our students and families. They need to know loud and clear that they are loved here. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Lisa Deo and I am a Hugenot teacher, an REA member, and ETH district resident. I'm here today to speak on the budget and its connection to how we can support our immigrant students and families. This budget undermines collective bargaining and it as it proposes to pause raises and places the burden of insurance costs on staff, something that no surrounding counties are

049proposing to do. Students and staff deserve a needs-based budget. In the wise words of the youth, the math is not mathing. With these three budget proposals so far, an external audit by the VDOE may assist in resolving this issue, where is this money going? And why can't this district pay for crucial programs like the Richmond Virtual Academy? Richmond Virtual Academy is essential, especially as this country faces a crisis with the ongoing escalation in ICE violence and more school districts like Minneapolis are offering virtual learning options. I appreciated the immigration town hall that you hosted last week. Teachers and support staff have been advocating for more actions like this and several schools across the district have been circulating petitions with specific demands uh with almost 250 signatures in less than a week. And it's important to

050see that some of our demands are already being addressed. While the district seems to be putting more resources in place such as know your rights nights, families and students have been feeling have not been feeling supported during their crisis. >> Oh wow. Um what kind of support would you want your family to have if you were going through this? Teachers and stu and school staff had several questions during the town hall that went unanswered. We want to see more training available for staff at professional development days. The protocols in place do not offer much of comfort to staff, families, and students. They seem performative and not realistic to the climate we are facing. We deserve to be heard and together with input from our students and families, we can create safety plans that work. We

051need fully funded schools. Thank you. >> Thank you. Right. So, we'll call one last time for Sophia Babria. I'm so sorry if I pronounced your name wrong. Marlon Gin, Eric Harris. >> Can additional time be allotted for translation? >> Yes. Okay. They made us They made me aware. Okay. Yep. My name is Marlene Galang. My name is Marlene um Garlan. Good uh good evening. Thank you so much for giving me this time to share my um um preoccupations and my doubts. I wanted to share with you all that of the process that my family went through um that they had to confront in the last year on the 20th of October that my husband was detained by ICE. He was detained for two months and this left a giant hole in our economic uh situation

052and a traumatic experience for my kids. Today, families that are immigrants don't feel safe walking the streets or seeking uh services that are emergencies. or to even attend court or even walk through a park without the fear that ICE may detain us. >> I would also like you to uh support a trust policy. I would have also liked to have felt more supported um from the school during this process. But in no moment did I receive a phone call to show me support even though everyone in the school knew my situation. I'm a mother of four children, two of whom have IEP services. During that time, I had an IEP meeting um with my students um teachers and I asked them for support and in only the only five teachers gave me support. The other

053teachers came up with excuses as to why they could not help me when I explained to them our situation. The only other teacher that actually supported me was Mr. Lao who is right here beside me and she gave me the contact to New Virginia Majority with whom I organize with today. I felt supported by them, but I would have liked to have been more supported by the school and um this is a process that is not easy for any parent, any family to go through. And so I have um some questions to ask you today. Foreignech. One minute. Question number one, what plan or program do the schools have for um immigrant families? Question number two, in the situation of detention of one of the parents, what are the resources that you offer not only

054for the family but also emotional for the student? And question number three, who should I communicate with or who needs to be communicated with so that the family knows um what support they can use and to navigate the resources that are being offered. Uh because because it would be too much for someone um going through this uh crisis to navigate on their own. Yes, >> that is all. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. Good evening everyone. My name is Eric Harris and I'm the head football coach at Thomas Jefferson High School. Uh and I'm here to talk to you guys this evening about uh helping us get some lights on our field. Uh everyone in here understands and knows the history of Richmond public schools and Richmond public schools football. Uh the past

055several years we've been one of the not just shining lights in the city, but in the state. Um we're coming off two back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. This year I made the schedule tougher. We're traveling. We got teams across the state that want to play us. And at the end of the day, we're we're we're fighting an uphill battle. Um we're not asking, let me clarify this first. We're not asking to have stadium lighting to host games. Uh what we're asking for is we can get some lights. If we can get some lights that would allow us to practice um because behind those news stories, behind all of that stuff that you see on the news and reading the Richmond Free Press and the Times Dispatch, >> one minute. >> We're literally practicing and starting in

056October for 45 minutes because it's dark and we don't have anywhere to go. So tomorrow is National Signing Day and I'll end with this. Why is this important? I've been the head coach at TJ for four years. Tomorrow's National Signing Day will be the 35th athlete I send to school on a football scholarship in four years. That's why it's important. It's more than a game and we're and we're fighting an uphill battle without that. Everyone else around here has those lights. We just want to practice. That's all we want to do. We want to practice. I left a packet of an email. I said, "Mr. personal to you guys. If you guys can really read that email I sent to him, I would greatly appreciate it. It it goes more into depth. Thank you. >>

057Thank you. At this time, we'll call Jessica Whitaker, Kimberly Jones, Megan McFersonson. >> Good evening. Good evening, Superintendent cameras, members of the school board, and everyone involved in RPS. I'm a teacher for RPS working at Richmond Virtual Academy. Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Kimberly Jones. Thank you. I'm a teacher of for RPS working at Richmond Virtual Academy and I am proud to say that I have been there from the beginning. We have grown in so many ways and have become a school of record just like all of the rest of Richmond public schools. We are a school of choice. We have students who thrive in the virtual setting. I teach middle school English and I have middle school students who want to read aloud in class every day and participate in class discussions because

058they feel safe and comfortable in their own environment. Um, you want to offer the same for all students. It's something magical to be able to teach in a space where you are not distracted by any behavior issues or anything else. Um, RBA works for our students, but to close the doors and not allow a choice to be made to not allow that choice is criminal. And words from a colleague, Miss Anner. Um, RVA students are one of the most fragile groups who truly need this program. A proposal of closing RVA is a negative impact to these students. RVA allows students to work at their own pace safely and more and have more access to their teachers. It is not uncommon for for all of the staff to answer emails and monitor questions from our scholars.

059Um, thank you. I really do appreciate you re reconsidering uh leaving our VA program open to all of our children. Thank you. >> Thank you. as you come up. Mariah White, Alia White, Elijah, I'm sorry. And Emily Archer. Good evening. >> Evening. My name is Megan McFersonen. I work at Buchanaw Middle School. I'm very proud lead teacher at Bushaw Middle School and this is my seventh year there. Um I'm here to speak about the immigration resources and ICE awareness in our district as well as the budget because I think they tie together. Um I'm really proud Buchall and a lot of community members that have helped us have been providing a lot of resources and um parent information sessions um over the last few months on our own. Um and I was really grateful to

060see the town hall meeting and to attend it. Um, I think it's a really good start just to echo what a lot of other people have said tonight. Um, but I am worried that it is not reflecting the current state of like urgency that is needed. As um, you just heard, uh, people are being affected right now. I have students who won't join sports teams because they can't stay after school because their parents are scared to have them stay after school. Um, I have kids whose parents text me and say they can't make it to school because they saw a van outside and they're scared to send their kids to the bus stop. Um, so it's happening right now. I just I know that maybe the tone from the town hall was trying to remain

061calm um and not have panic ensue. But I'm panicked and families are panicked. The panic's here. Um, so more resources, certain things in the budget like mental health resources, uh, the multilingual department, the, um, RVA, Richmond virtual academy, all those things are so necessary. And so, please, I'm asking you to reconsider because tomorrow I'm going to wake up. I'm going to go to school with a smile on my face. I'm not going to act like I'm panicked, but I am. Um, so please, I'm asking for more. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> I'm speaking on behalf of the Richmond Crusaders for Voters as well as a Richmond public school parent. Tonight I'm bringing something. My name is Mariah White. I am bringing uh something before you that affects me as

062a parent. Uh I have two sons at Franklin Military Academy. My oldest son is graduating graduating next spring. My youngest is in the eighth grade who you see with me or he was until I was told he cannot return to the ninth grade. The reason a reenrollment form that was sent by parent link and an email I never saw. I have the parent link here on my phone. I found out after the the deadline had passed. Also, my son completed the admission test minutes before I was called. No one called me. No one sent a letter. No one reached out to me. Hey, we haven't heard from you, Miss White. Is everything okay? or any of those things. My h my family has been part of Franklin military for three years. Both of my sons

063have been there for three years. I have been a part of Franklin for over 20 years because I give out the MOA awards to every RPS school for the Military Officer Association of American. And no one picked up the phone. When I found out the principal had called me to see was it a glitch in the system and um I told him I had no idea. I didn't know anything. I know he was from the sixth grade to the eighth grade and I thought he was just going to the 9th to the 12th. And then when I found out I contacted the school. I went over to Nor school. I went to do a pill. I went through three levels of administration. I even went to the superintendent and I was told no because of

064this policy. Your own website, your own website said appeals can be made on application process related grounds. A missed email about a form is exactly that application process. And your own FAQ says current RPS students don't need to reenroll each year. So where is this policy that say my son, a current student for three years, can lose his seat over one missed email? His seat is there and these are not paying seats for at Franklin military. I'm not asking you to bend the rules. I'm asking you to show where the rules are for the appeal. I served in the military for 26 years and there's always appeal process if this is classifies as a military school. I'm asking the Richmond school board to confer with the superintendent to reconsider this case. Number two, clarify the

065appeal process for family like minds because the community should not be traumatized, neither should their children should be supported. >> That's right. Thank you. >> At this time, we'll ask Elijah White, Emily Archer, Alexa Jani to come forward. My name is My name is Elijah White and I go to Franklin Military Academy and I've been there for through 6th through 8th grade and I was wondering why I could not go back to the school for 9th grade and can someone answer that for me because I am a scholar and honoral student at the school and I got a 445 on my so test and and I wanted to know why I couldn't go back to the school but thank you thank you Emily Archer Alexa Jennakone and Emily Jen in. Sorry. >> Good evening. I

066am a LEAP teacher. Oh, I am Emily Archer. I am a LEAP teacher at Bushaw Middle School and I live in the fifth district. First, I want to say how proud I am of my school and how we have been able to support our immigrant students and families during this time. I'm inspired by the dedication we have to every student who walks into Bushaw. However, I have felt a lot of frustration with the way our division as a whole is communicating to staff on policies related to ICE and how to best protect our immigrant students. Even after the town hall last week, I still have so many unanswered questions. For example, I saw that on that I as a LEAP teacher am listed on the immigration policy response as someone who has had training on

067handling immigration related situations. Yet, I have not received any formal training or guidance on how to handle any situation related to ICE. If I haven't been trained and I'm on the list of people who are supposed to be trained, how can I trust that any other group on that list knows how to properly respond? Communication is not about sharing something once and hoping it gets spread along after the fact. It is about consistent and effective messaging that keeps all stakeholders informed, especially in regards to this everchanging immigration crisis. We need to be prepared. We need to be a unified division. To do that, we need all staff at every school to know the safety and communication protocols in place just like we do for any other emergency. We need everyone to feel prepared to help

068our students. I hope to see more consistent and clear communication on this in the future. Thank you for your time. Thank you very much, Alexa Jan and Emily Yen. >> Good evening. >> Hi. Good evening. Good evening, Richmond schoolboard members, RPS colleagues, parents, students, and community members. My name is Alexa Janicone, and I am a school teacher of the Richmond Virtual Academy, and I have been with Richmond Public Schools for over 20 years. I am here tonight to strongly urge you to reconsider any plans to shut down our virtual academy. This school is not a temporary solution or a pandemic era experiment. It is a critical forwardthinking model of education that meets the evolving needs of today's students and tomorrow's workforce. Other nearby districts are investing in virtual models because they understand what the future

069demands. Choosing to shut ours down places this district on the wrong side of progress in history. >> One minute. >> For many students, the virtual academy is not a convenience. It is a lifeline. It serves learners who thrive outside traditional classrooms, students managing health challenges, those facing anxiety or safety concerns, and families seeking an environment that allows their children to learn at their own pace without sacrificing academic rigor. Closing this school removes choice, equity, and access for families who depend on it. I urge every school board member to look at the budget for the Richmond Virtual Academy. Is money actually being saved? Instead of closing the school, I urge the board to invest in it, refine it, and strengthen it. With thoughtful leadership and support, the virtual academy can remain a powerful, costeffective, and future

070ready educational pathway that keeps our district competitive and inclusive. Scripture reminds us >> time >> for I know the plans I have for you. Declares. >> Good. Thank you. That's time. Thank you very much. >> Uh hello. My name is Dr. Emily Yen. I'm here on behalf of Smart Local 100. Um as a fellow union member, I'm very concerned about um the collective bargaining agreement being um undermined. I'm also concerned about the additional burden of um insurance on workers. This effectively reduces their total compensation. Um the and I'm also concerned about the elimination of summer school for elementary and middle school students. Um this is a space where students can catch up on learning. um especially students who um are facing a lot of stress with the um crackdown on um immigration in the United

071States and just everything with what is ISIS doing um and think that this would be a very valuable um resource for students to have extra um time to catch up. Um I know that this is a very difficult time with budgets um but there are choices to be made. Um I think that um a close look on what services are being outsourced um should be thoroughly examined. Um the items around uh expenses around purchased goods um should also be examined. Um as well as uh pay for administrators. I know that um we want to uh retain folks but we if we are going to have to make difficult choices I hope that we chop from the top instead of from the bottom. Um, I think that in terms of this procedurally, um, it would be

072valuable to get, um, support from both the city of Richmond and the, uh, Virginia Department of Education, um, for an audit, um, so this can be the most robust audit, um, and we can make the best choices as possible. Um, thank you very much. >> Thank you, >> Madame Clerk. Do we have any time left in >> We've exceeded the initial 30 minute aotment. >> Okay, great. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you everyone. At this time we will move into public hearing. The budget public hearing after the last speaker of item is that not now. Okay. Okay. Thank you. At this time we will recess and go into the budget public hearing. >> Right. We will now recess this board's business meeting. the public hearing on the FY27 budget. Thank you. The parameters around this

073um are similar to public comment. We have approximately 30 minutes for you to share anything as it relates to the budget. When you come forward, please state your name, sign the clipboard, and pass it to the person behind you. And if you would also acknowledge whether you are speaking on behalf of an organization or not when you say your state your name. Thank you. At this time you may come forward. Good evening, school board and superintendent cameras. Uh my name is Chantel Ray and I'm um the executive director of um Dancing Scholars Virginia. Um for the past 12 years um we have proudly worked in partnership with the Richmond public schools bringing the dancing classrooms program um to 19 fifth grade classrooms that has been funded by um the budget of of Richmond public schools.

074Through the RPS's funding we are able to give equal opportunities to students across this district rather than only those students who have access to personal funding. We work directly with administrators to determine which schools will receive the RPS funding every year. Throughout through the art of social dance, we transform classrooms into places that every child is connected, respected, and able to thrive. Our goal is to cultivate essential life skills, confidence, cooperation, empathy, and teamwork that can carry forward past far beyond the dance floor. Our program allows that all students to participate and learn together. Throughout the program, we focus on the history and culture of each dance, creating a respect for news cultures or a better appreciation for our their own culture. We also intentionally pause to over to talk about overcoming challenges, practicing patience,

075and supporting one another. The principal from Henry Marsh, um, Mr. Smith said, "Our students learn to respect each other and work with each other that historically they would not have." Um, and a teacher here at RPS um had made this statement, John Bennett. He said, "I've been in the classroom for 28 years now. To me, there is nothing more valuable than positive student attitude. It overwhelms lack of confidence and lack of initial skill. To me, a a positive supportive learning climate is a must. That climate is generally undermined by negative student interactions mostly driven on the onset of adolescence and reinforced by a multiple multitude of negative role models in media, internet, school, and in the neighborhood. What dancing classrooms really teaches obscured by the dancing itself is how to treat someone with respect. >>

076One minute. >> It's priceless. This is just a snapshot of the magic I have seen in in teaching dancing classrooms for the past 18 years. This past fall, we were we were able to serve 500 students across eight classroom at eight schools, elementary schools. And this spring, we are on track to reach another um 420 students. On behalf of Dancing Scholars Virginia, we ask that you reinstate our funding for the for the fiscal year 2728 so that we can continue to lift our generation with confident the our next generation with confidence and life skills they need to succeed. Thank you for being a part of this mission and for supporting a program that connect that brings connection, confidence, and joy into our classrooms. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hello. My name is Hannah Clayman.

077I'm an exceptional education teacher and a proud REA member. I am speaking as myself tonight. There is a reason why we are very upset about this budget and I think we have every right to be. Why? Whoa, I lost my place. There he goes. All right. We are mad about this budget because it makes no sense. We have scoured over this budget and there are many errors. Now, we are doing this unpaid. I'm sure there is someone here who has been paid to do that, but it does not make sense. I have questions. Why are we not proposing a needs-based budget? Why have we not gotten an auditor that we've requested for RPS? Why are we being offered to furlow oneself when it only saves us $5,000? Why are you making six figures when we

078have people in this district who do not make a living wage and have to work multiple jobs and we are already saying that we are going to cut their raises. You have taken away our collective bargaining resolution. We worked very hard for that and we lost that. We understand that you're going to take away our raises and our insurance. You are taking away our students mental health services and now you're trying to take away the days that you already agreed to give us because of all the work that we have done last week and this week for synchronous and asynchronous sering. What will you take next? It is not going to be our power and is not going to be our will. We will continue fighting for our students, our families and our co-workers. We

079will lose many great education workers because of the decisions that are being made today. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Beth Hosek. I am one of the many amazing teachers at Richmond Virtual Academy. I speak out today on behalf of my co-workers, students, and their families. Superintendent Cameron shared in his proposal for the upcoming year several shocking reductions, including but not limited to cuts in the mental health services available to our students, elimination of summer school summer school for our elementary and middle school scholars. There is one reduction in the budget that affects only a small population here in Richmond public schools and that is the proposed closure of Richmond Virtual Academy. I along with many of the staff, students, and families in requesting funding and protection for the Richmond

080Virtual Academy as it exists. I understand that finances are tight, costs are rising, and certain freezes in place affect available funding. Still, when you read the stories that I shared with you all in your emails a few hours ago, you will understand the importance of protecting what is not just a school, but a family that has soared against all odds and deserves a place amongst the brickandmortar schools here in the district. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is David Mistler and I teach at Richmond Virtual Academy, RVA. I would like to submit to the board to keep RVA fully funded for the foreseeable future. We may may have started as a uh response to the pandemic. However, we've grown into a fully functional uh school for our scholars. We

081are currently one of the top performing schools in the district. Our families have written several letters to the board and I know that they have already hit on some of these points, but I'll try and sum this up. Students feel safe at RVA. They do not have to deal with bullying or gang violence. Many parents are correctly concerned about illness, not just co. Many of our students have transferred from in-person schools where they unfortunately have failed. And in Richmond Virtual Academy, they have thrived. So with that, I want to ask once again for the board to keep RVA funded for the foreseeable future. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. Hello. My name is CC Darville and I am speaking here as an individual um who lives in Richmond and works with a

082lot of Richmond students in my job. Um and I know that this has kind of been said, but I just want to really reiterate the um connection between the budget cuts and the current threat that a lot of students and their families are facing um in the increase of violence and ICE activity in the Richmond area. It is here. it is happening. Um, and some of the proposed cuts are going to really further impact families that are already struggling. If you think about children who have had their family members ripped away from them, sometimes in front of their own eyes, um, with no way to contact them, uh, you can imagine that's going to have some pretty big impacts on their mental health. So, cutting those services is really crucial to not do at this

083time. And then uh with the alternate schooling methods such as Richmond Virtual Academy and summer schools, it's important to remember that some students might be having to take on more responsibilities within their homes if the main economic um driver of the family is taken. And so having more alternative methods of schooling for these students to continue going through the RPS system to find ways to graduate so that they have the opportunities that all children have in RPS is really important. Um, so just as we're making these decisions, I know it's been said, but I just want to reiterate the importance of RPS students who should be at the forefront of the minds when making budget cuts. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Hi. Good evening. Um, chair and members of the um the

084school board. My name is Jose Castillo. I am an organizer with New Virginia Majority and I'm speaking today um on behalf of my organization also in support of REA. Um, you know, I don't want to repeat a lot of what has been said already. Um, we are in unprecedented times and as our member Marleene spoke earlier, um, there is an emotional trauma that students are facing nowadays, especially when it comes to ICE enforcement. I can say I've met students who've witnessed their parents being taken at gunpoint. Now, imagine imagine experiencing that as a teenager. Um, and imagine, you know, hearing that your school is cutting cutting uh mental health services. Um, and I also want to also want to echo um what we're seeing with these ICE raids. A lot of times it is unfortunately

085the bread winner, the bread winner that is being taken that leaves the family in a situation where they're laid on rent and they're facing eviction. And I wish I could tell you that, you know, it's it's one or two cases, but it's it's tens, you know, every week it's growing. Um, and so I want to uh say that we fully support um the demands of REA and I hope also that you know as a school board that you also use your power to um support our immigrant communities in policy. Um one of those could be a trust policy which as our member Marleene mentioned earlier um and also in the general assembly. Um we really need all hands on deck to fight this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. My name

086is uh Stephen Strauss, member of the REA, fifth district resident. Speaking as an individual, um I appreciate a lot of the comments that you all made last night during your meeting regarding the the budget. Um I don't think this budget goes far enough in terms of supporting our students or our staff. Um just looking at the general revenue increase it's like 2% between this fiscal year to the next fiscal year and Reicho which has described their budget is fiscally conservative has a 3.6% increase 1.6 six more is like millions more in terms of funding for our schools. I think that the reality is that we need to ask more from the city. If you look at the um non-EP departmental budgets that were released, uh the police department and the sheriff uh sheriff's office are

087getting $14 million in increased revenue, which is around a 7% increase. So, uh, why are those departments receiving a 7% increase when we're only asking for, uh, 2%. Um, perhaps that's not a question for you all to answer. Um, but I think that the budget needs to be a true needs-based budget. And, uh, reiterating what some people have said in terms of looking at the top, uh, if you look at the Virginia Department of Education, they have an annual, uh, superintendent report. And that report shows that we at the very top have almost double the rate of administrative roles compared to Ken Reicho when you factor in the average daily membership. And so I think that there needs to be an evaluation of some of those non studentf facing roles. Thank you. >> Thank you.

088>> Good evening. >> Hello. My name is Rosalyn Anderson. I'm RA vice president and I'm also cafeteria manager at Brown Middle School. I'm speaking on behalf of myself tonight and some of my colleagues. This budget I've been getting calls from some of the managers, some of the workers, they feel as though that when we have to pay higher health costs, everything we fought for, it's going down the drain. I myself have because we the raises and everything that we have gotten with this high going back up cutting. Okay, let me I have so much I need to say in and so little time. Um on behalf of myself, some of us these proposed cuts not only impact RPS um employees but it also affect affects the SNS department. um that without with these cuts we

089have to we're not making enough money to survive. And I I implore y'all y'all can take my paycheck that I get and see if you can live off of we live off of >> with these health cuts. It is it's taking our raises from us. We won't be able to live. I work two jobs in order to make it. So does some of our ladies in our kitchen. Without this with these cuts, it's going to make it difficult and you're going to lose a lot more workers. We're already strapped. But when you make these cuts and they can't afford to work because they have kids at home or some of them are scared to come to work because of ICE, it is really bad. >> And I'm sorry, but if y'all feel free, y'all can

090find me. I'm always at Brown. Mr. Hedge Path, we've had conversations. I can sit down and tell you stories of what I've heard these kids talk about and it's not pleasant. Trust me, it's not pleasant. But I was staying 10 toes down for RPS and I'm just asking y'all to do the same for us. Consider what you're doing to the budget and what you're doing to your employee. >> Thank you. Do we have any time remaining for 16 minutes? >> All right. We'll give one last opportunity for those who like to share during this budget hearing session. All right. Okay. Good evening. >> Good evening. First time here. My name is >> If you could ensure that you hit the button so that the mic Okay, great. So, just come a little closer. There we

091go. >> Hello. >> Sorry. My name is Bench Jenkins. Speaking as an individual and a parent whose kid is in RPS. You guys so much. Um, just wanted to say first, thanks for the welcoming environment. I'm excited to be here. Uh, I wanted to talk about the budget, which I am going to be honest, I haven't read at all, but um, I really trust our teachers. Um, I recently became a nurse and realized that like nurses know way more than I previously thought they knew. Um, and I think that's probably true about the teachers here as well. And so I just really trust their assessment of what our students need and what they need. Um, so I'm speaking in support of what they need. Uh, I also want to say as someone who has lived

092in basically poverty for like my entire life and now I'm kind of like on the cusp of not being in poverty, my parenting has really really improved. Um, and and putting our teachers into a place where they will be facing poverty, it's going to really negatively affect our kids and our futures. I mean, y'all know this, so you know, but like as a a parent, I don't want our money going somewhere else. I want it going to our kids cuz, you know, they're the ones who are going to make it like keep going and help make our world beautiful. And they can't do that if we're like caught up in our like the fact that we can't afford to go get our teeth fixed, you know. Anyway, thank you. >> Thank you. One last opportunity

093for anybody to share during the budget session. All right, we will now conclude the public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget budget and resume the school board business meeting. Thank you all so much for sharing your feedback. We will now move to uh board action items. 6.01 receive for action the Head Start report. >> Good evening, Madam Chair, Superintendent Cameras, and members of the board. >> For the Head Start report, we're excited to share that we are continuing to make progress with our enrollment numbers. As of today, we have um 613 of our 649 enrolled. So, that is 94.5%. So ticking towards the 97% that we know is our goal. The other update we have is that we have um been provided the date of our focus area one progress monitoring visit which is

094the week of March 9th. Um this is part of the standard process with the grant and so I will provide details when we have them. >> Any questions? Yes, we have um the pro the minutes uh and I'm requesting a vote should there not be any questions. >> Oh, sure. >> Mr. Peral. >> Uh Madam Chair, I move to adopt the Head Start reports as presented. >> Second. >> It's been moved by Mr. It's been moved by Mr. Perl and seconded by Mr. Farooq. Madame Clerk. >> Mr. Pible. >> Yes. >> Mr. Card. >> Yes. >> Mr. Farooq. Yes, >> Mr. Hedgepath. >> Yes, >> Miss Rizzy. >> Miss Burke. >> Yes, >> Mr. Jafari. >> Miss Fernandez. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. For um item 6.02, 02. I

095pres I present this evening the nomination of 26 employees, the change of contract of 51 employees, the resignations of 22 employees, the retirement of two employees, and the death of one employee. My question to superintendent cameras was was this um did this also include the um suggested furloaded associates and his response was no. So I just wanted to have that level of transparency there Mr. Cameron. >> Thank you Madam Chair. Um, I do want to note everything that's been proposed in the budget, first of all, doesn't actually occur until it is approved by the school board in May when it gets adopted and doesn't take effect until July 1 of 2026. So, no personal actions from now until then will reflect those. >> I appreciate you clarifying that. Thank you so much. Any Miss Rizzy?

096>> No questions. >> I move that we accept the personnel uh items as presented. >> Second. >> It's been moved by Miss Rizzy and seconded by Mr. Hedgepath. Madam clerk. >> Mr. Pible. >> Yes. >> Mr. Card. >> Yes. >> Mr. Farooq. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hedgepath. >> Yes. >> Mr. Rzzy. >> Mr. Berg. Yes, >> Mr. Jafari. >> Miss Fernandez. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Thank you. >> All right. We have a couple of amended items that we had to include. Um 6.03 receive for review. Well, receive for action the multi-year school support plans. Mr. Cameras. >> Thank you, madam. Thank you, Madam Chair. We did not receive any uh questions after yesterday. So we respectfully request your approval of this plan. >> And for those who are following along, the document um reference

097for 6.03 is under new business 8.01. >> Mr. HedgeFab. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I move to approve the multi-year school supports plan as presented. >> It's been moved by Mr. Hedgepath and seconded by Miss Burke. Madam clerk, >> Mr. Pible, >> yes. >> Mr. Card, >> yes. >> Mr. Farooq, >> yes. >> Mr. Hedgepit, >> yes. >> Miss Rizzy. >> Miss Burke, >> yes. >> Mr. Jafari, >> Miss Fernandez, >> yes. >> Motion passes. Thank you. Moving right along to the next item is 6.04, received for action on the uh SY 2025 2026 calendar changes. Mr. Cameras. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I uh wanted to return to the calendar adjustment discussion that we had yesterday. We uh certainly understand the board's concern uh about uh taking uh the two days uh that currently

098are holidays. Uh one and one is for Easter Monday. Um my compromise proposal is to see if the board is open to one of those days. Um and if not uh we will make do uh with just the 17th. Um, I do want to reiterate my concern about the need for additional instructional time, which in no way in no way diminishes the very hard work that our teachers and staff did over the last seven days, many of whom, particularly at the secondary level, engaged in synchronous teaching as best as possible. I think two things can be true. one, our educators work the very best of their abilities and inerson instruction is uh most beneficial for our students and they would benefit from having an additional day or two. I do want to remind everybody that

099April 21st is likely going to be a school closure day due to the potential of a statewide election. So, we will lose another today uh if that were to but again uh happy to follow the board's direction on this really the only question uh before you is the 20th of March the 6th of April the 17th of February uh is the professional learning day we are going to make that into an instructional day that is not in board policy so does not require a vote with that I'm happy to take any questions Mr. Farooq and Mr. Hedgepath. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. My question is I'm I'm compelled by the argument that the in-person instruction is important. I promise you as someone with two young children even today was managing them synchronously asynchronously there was

100learning and work going on. That's true. So my question is if we know that in-person instruction is better is what's preferred. Why the virtual learning? Why the virtual working for our staff? Why not just say okay we're just going to close and then we're going to add additional in person days. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Mr. Cameron. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for the question, Mr. Farooq. Um, in short, because we have a duty to do everything we possibly can to support our young people. Seven days of a closure is extremely significant. It's a huge interruption for learning that um again I I do believe we have a duty as a school system to do our best to provide the best instruction we possibly can during that time and given the constraints that

101we all face. And so um while yes it would have been simpler to just be closed for that time again at the end of the day I think our most solemn obligation is to do everything we can to advance our students growth and so that is why we made the decision we did as perfect as it is. >> Thank you Mr. Hitchbat. >> Thank you Madam Chair. uh to continue that conversation. I appreciate uh the word imperfect because I was thinking about the uh that some of the best instruction is imperfect. Uh right that you know it is messy. Um and I I I've seen the the receipts. I've seen the proof of what has been uh happening over the past couple weeks uh from our our teachers. uh can most certainly uh view online

102um on social media see seeing what what's been happening and the good work that our colleagues are doing. I'm worried about again this idea that we're uh asking them to to work virtually and then also make up the time in addition to that. Um so I would be um I'm hesitant to support either of those days. um um in March 20th or April 6th. Uh I also am curious that I know this is not um board policy. However, for February 17th, it seems like there's a need for uh community building and more um ICE um professional development. And so I would encourage the administration to keep that day for supporting our staff. Um and if we do end up having an election, then perhaps that can be an intentional virtual day where we won't miss

103the instruction. Um where we we we can plan to, you know, as we noticed yesterday, there was uh there were some students that were instructed not to have their Chromebooks taken home and others were. And if we can plan and be and be be intentional about that in April and have plenty of time to prepare, then that could be a meaningful use of time as well. Thank you, >> Mr. Cameras. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, and and thank you for that, Mr. Hedgepath. Um, I did want to note we did actually already have three days of closure during which um it was not asked to continue learning asynchronously and that was that was back in December. So, we've actually already lost three days of instruction that were for all intents and purposes we were noninstruction.

104So we we are working from a deficit and look um I wish we could find a magical solution to all of these tensions. Um I just continue to return to at the end of the day um we celebrate and applaud the extraordinary work that our educators do and have done this past and we can also say that it is critical for our young people have access to more inerson instruction. We learned from the pandemic that the longer kids are out, the more damaging it is despite everyone's very best efforts. And I am concerned uh about our ability to continue to reduce student outcomes with the amount of time that we have not been able to be in person. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Ricard. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I I do agree that

105I think this is a a two things can be true situation. Um, I have my student, my own children have received work. Um, but I will speak as a parent of a second grader who struggles in literacy that it has been hard to keep her moving forward during seven days and um so I am worried about the loss of instruction for her but for all the other kindergarten first second graders who really can't pick up a book and like my fifth grader could do and be more independent in their learning. That's not to say that, you know, today a Google Meet was put on so she could be with her classmates and the joy that I heard from her and from her peers and my fifth grader was in another room and I had to

106tell him to quiet down because he was being too loud because they were so joyful. I truly appreciate their teachers for doing that. Um, but I I am concerned about the loss of instruction. I um and so, you know, I think if at the very least we could make the 17th a inerson learning day. Yes, it's not a day isn't going to do much, but it it would do something. I'm worried about our SOS. We saw our chronic absenteeism rates. I know that is a concern as well, but those chronic absenteeism rates are going to impact at the end of the year how our schools do. And so if we can just get our SOS a little bit better, if we can get that instruction up, um that's just something to help um tip the

107scale against that. Um like I said, I truly appreciate everything our teachers have done. I just know it's um there has been instruction loss despite best efforts. Thank you, Mr. Jafari. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. as as I look at the ice situation out there and I mean the actual inclement weather on the ground, I can remember as a youngster growing up here in this city and and actually going to Richmond public schools and I've not seen this kind of ice since that time. I was uh talking to a friend of mine. We grew up together and we were talking about how we used to have 6 ines of ice on the ground and it lasted for a week. This is an anomaly in in contemporary times for Richmond. When you have situations like this,

108it's going to cause it's going to call for us to make some extraordinary decisions. And chief amongst those decisions, I I also had the opportunity, if you'll call it that, of driving a school bus. A lot of people think that because the main thorough affairs are open and everything's clear that the bus will be able to navigate on the back roads. That's where we run into some of our largest problems. And so again, I I applaud the efforts on the part of the administration to really split the matters and and come down on the side of safety. But as I look at it, we clearly are behind the eightball right now instruction. So, we're going to have to have an in-person day. And I guess my question to the superintendent would be, how can we

109balance this? How can we recognize that those teachers were in there the entire time for the virtual learning aspect of it, but at the same time, give them something back on the opposite end so that we don't burn them out so that they they know that we appreciate them. And so, I I'll just stop it there because this is a a pretty taxing situation. Thank you, >> Mr. Cameras. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for the question, Mr. Jafari. Um, first and foremost, I do think board's expression of appreciation goes a long way. I think that's been heard across the day this evening. Um, and that's number one. Number two, again, I I do want to return to the the fact that we have had three days of closure where there was

110no expectation of any instruction going on. And while I know some teachers during that time in December likely reached out to their students, they likely graded papers, uh they likely planned over those days myself. They were not expected to and we were close. And so that may feel like a distant memory now after the last week and a half of this very ractable ice, but we're not starting from zero. We're actually starting from negative. I think that's important. Thank you. Any additional thoughts, Miss Rizzy? >> Yes. I I think given that and um just how important it is that our students have inerson learning I am inclined to supporting the superintendent compromise. >> Thank you, Miss Bird. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just pleased we're having this uh conversation regarding instructional time. We've met

111out 30 minutes. Mr. Pival, >> I got so caught up in celebrating. Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, at the risk of running to close the barn door here as I watch the horse run down the road. Um, and I know that we have already approved the calendar for next year. Would it be possible when we put forth a calendar to identify certain holidays as at risk holidays? >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, it just so happens that the chair and I were speaking of this earlier today. >> You were not. It was my idea. >> Uh, and uh, the same suggestion was made. I in fact think we could explore policy around if we reach a certain threshold. What is the cascade of days that come off? And that would be um a great

112step forward to providing at least a modicum of predictability for families as they plan their year. knowing that if a day is number one on the list to be regained, maybe don't plan your family reunion on on that day. So, I would agree uh that would be extremely beneficial and we will work something up and bring it to a policy committee for further review. Fortunately, that does not solve current issue uh but certainly would be helpful going forward. >> Follow up. Madam Chair, thank you very much. Um I I will echo what has been said. I greatly appreciate the teachers and I just want the teachers to know that you have been heard. I have read the emails. Um at the end of the day, we do have to come down on one side of

113this fence or the other. And while it is extremely difficult, I do have to come down on the side of the students in this case. And it is not because I don't respect the teachers. This is a very difficult call. But I think given that February 17th is is a foregone conclusion adding one more day uh I believe is a compromise. >> Okay. I want to share some thoughts and then those that I've already spoken the opportunity to share again. Um as most well know I I took all last evening and all today to read through every single email that was sent to me. um to understand the dynamic to get firsthand knowledge of the experience. I had some who shared their calendars with me which I thought was extremely helpful to get insight into

114um the work that is being done. And I just want to be unequivocally clear at no point in my mind did I ever consider that work was not being done. Whatever decision we make tonight is not a reflection of the hard work that our teachers distribute every single day before school, after school, during school, weekends. Um it's a tireless effort that we appreciate. Um, we had multiple conversations. I've had multiple conversations with multiple of my colleagues today. We've I've shared, you know, thoughts with the superintendent and I didn't know how I would decide. I I kept going back and forth. I'll be honest, up until this moment, I did not know what I would decide. But one of the promises I made to myself and the community is that student outcomes has to be my

115guiding light. It has to. And not only is it my guiding light, at the end of the day, funding is driven by student outcomes. And so if we consider that it is important that we give our children the ability to make every effort to succeed. That said, um as I think through the options that are laid before us, um I would be in support of the recommendation. Thank you. Mr. Hedgeb. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm I'm saddened by the uh the comment of sides >> um that um that you know being on a side of one or the other um means that you're not supportive of both. I I I'm regretful to hear that. Um I asked yesterday if how we were for our uh seat time and we were we said the answer

116was we are good that we're good uh and I would be very supportive of this of this policy had the the instructions or the expectations of our employees uh been uh that this is a snow day, right? This is a day off uh to rejuvenate yourself. This is a day off for kids. Mr. Jafari spoke fondly of the times of snow days. Um I too think of of fondly of snow days when you know we didn't have Zoom school and Zoom classes and so if we're going to do virtual Thank you. My point's made. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Ricard. Mr. Percal, >> uh, one more question. Um, given that the actual question on on the dis is seems to be whether we would choose March 20th, April 6th or or none of the

117above. Uh given that February 17th, as the superintendent has indicated, will already be uh an inerson day, do we need to make the decision tonight on which of the other days, given that it's not as urgent? And the only reason I asked that, not to not to punt, but to get feedback from teachers as to which day would be the easiest to digest. thoughts. >> Oh yes, Mr. Cameras. >> Uh the number one piece of feedback I get from families just to note and from staff about the calendar just tell us as early as you possibly can so that they can plan accordingly. And so I do worry that uh we would not be making a decision about a date of March 20th until the first week of March which at that point feels just

118about too late to include that. So I think if we did delay and and certainly if that is what the board wants to do I think we are foregoing the >> Dr. Green just as a reminder of what days of the week each of these fall on. March the 20th is a Friday. Um, April the 6 is the Monday following spring break. Just to give you an idea of where they fall on the calendar if that helps you all make a decision. >> Thank you, Miss Rizzie. >> Yeah, you know, I want to add, you know, I certainly as a teacher myself understand um what our teachers are telling us. Um, you know, they weren't free days. You know, those Five days or what? Seven days. Oh, yeah. Oh, seven days. Um, and our teachers

119did provide instruction. Um, I mean, anecdotally, I have heard that very, you know, some classes very few students even showed up. That's not the teacher's fault. Um, I just think about the fact that for many of our children who can't afford vacations, who have never gone on vacations and maybe never will, like me when I was growing up, um, school is the safest place to be. And I understand people who want days off, but there are lots of kids out here who want days in. And because of that, because I think of that, I'd rather, you know, support the recommendation. Thank you. >> Great, Mr. PL. >> Madam Chair, I move that the school board move to reinstate April 6 as an inerson day. It's >> been moved by Mr. Percible seconded by Miss Rizzy.

120Any more debate madame clerk? Mr. Peral. >> Yes, >> Mr. Card. >> It's for April 6th. Miss Ricard, we can come back to her. >> Okay. Is that the will of the board? We're good with that. Coming back to Miss Ricard. All right. Mr. Farooq. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hesp. >> No. >> Miss Rizzy? Yes, >> Miss Burke. >> No, >> Mr. Jafar. >> Yes, >> Miss Fernandez. >> Yes, >> Mr. Ricard. >> Yes. Motion passes. Thank you. At this time, we'll receive uh can we receive a motion for the consent agenda? There are no items to discuss. Mr. Hedgebat. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the board accepts appro and approves the consent agenda as written. >> Second. >> It's been moved by Mr. Hedgep and seconded by Mr. Madame Clerk. >>

121Mr. Perl. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ricard. >> Yes. >> Mr. Farooq. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hedgepath. >> Yes. Miss Rizzy, >> yes. >> Miss Burke, >> yes. >> Mr. Jafari, >> Miss Fernandez, >> yes. >> Motion passes. Thank you. >> Moving to 8.01. New business. Miss Rizzie. >> Yes. I have two items I'd like to request. Um, I'd like to get an idea of when we will receive an update on the subgroup disparities, uh, discussion and an update on what is being done to address those. And then I'd also appreciate a report or update on where we are with PTAs, um, including some details perhaps about each and every school. >> Thank you. Mr. Hitchbad. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I just would like to uh request um now for I think maybe the

122second or third time the discussion of the norms uh from our governance um ad hoc committee um at the soonest agenda possible. Please. >> Thank you, Miss Burke. >> Thank you, Madam Ch. At an earlier meeting, we discussed pathways under Dr. Ward. Um, she discussed the possibility of getting support of a grant they had submitted and I thought it was from Grass, but it's from the city. So, I'd like to know, this is in order to help students to continue to go to college. So, as I talked to the director today from Grass, he said, "No, it's it's they would love to do it, but it's a city grant." and he told me who to contact, but I think that's my responsibility because I know know the superintendent probably already knows. So, what I'm asking

123is if we can get an update and I did find something out today as well, which I'd like to um announce if I may. For students that could not go back to college this year because they didn't have enough money as of class of 2024, RASP will help you. I have students from Armstrong that have called. May I let them know that they didn't return second semester because they recently graduated that new program will give them the aotted funds per if they can prove they need it. So for all the school counselors and whomever else, I hope persons are aware of that. I'll send an email tomorrow just to remind because I'd like to have a response regarding two things. The city status I don't know whether that falls up under the current uh budget

124in the cameras. >> Mr. Cameron, >> I would need to look into that, Madam Chair, Mrs. Burke, but certainly happy to report back. >> Thank you. The second item, can you clarify the second item? >> Made an announcement. Did you have an ask for a second item? >> First item, excuse me, the first item was regarding um Second item was regarding grass the city I was asking about the status of the grant that pathways Dr. award um stated it's not grasp it may being connected but it money is coming from the city of Richmond so it will be on the city's budget so my ask is to find out did we get the money from the city or is that pending >> right >> from our pathways department to the city >> right you you

125mentioned two items is there a second item beyond that or is that >> I guess I combined it in one >> okay perfect thank you doing my due diligence >> thank Thank you, Mr. Jafari. >> Thanks again. Okay, a couple of housekeeping things that I just need to be clear on. I just went out in the hallway and had a huddle with some of my Bushaw educators. So, what we're looking at is really doing like an in-house inerson version of what was held for the ice, the virtual. And so I will be circling back and sure that Mr. Camerons will be able to designate some staff that can appear and also be able to provide some more information. One of the major outtakes from that was just trying to do something to provide a level

126of comfort in these times of anxiety. As you know, in our district, we have a high number of brown Latino families and uh the impact that they shared with me even out in the hallway was astonishing. Um and clearly it's impacting us in a lot of different directions. But we we're going to solidify some dates and we're going to get back and u huddle with the administration so that we can make sure that we give them what they need. And that includes uh one of them. One of the concerns was that they shared with me that their name was on something and they were unaware of it. And uh of course we we don't want that to happen. We want them not only to know that their name is on it, but we want them

127to be able to be trained in case they do have to run into that kind of circumstance. Uh last evening I heard about a quote unquote trunch of money and so I have to come back and circle back and and and ask the question is it possible I can use I don't want to use the tunch just the maybe the the tea from it and put the floor in bushaw >> Mr. Cameron Uh that is uh Madame Chair, Mr. um that's a decision for the board that that tranch is the the money that's going to pay for um the new Richmond High School for the Arts, the new CTE Center. Um so every project that funds get diverted away from those just means it's a little bit harder to complete those projects. Furthermore, I'll just

128note those funds are designated by city council for new school construction. So, I believe if we were to use them for gene maintenance, uh whether it's I know that we saw needs um uh it would likely require a reappropriation from council. So, um, >> and as a as a followup to that, if if that requires a reappropriation, would the field situation at Richmond High School for the arts require one as well? >> Mr. Cameron, >> thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, no, Mr. Fire, because that is part of the RHSA news construction. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh in my final wrap up here, um I I continue to from time to time floated around the urgency to develop some governance and norms rules. I I just want to be clear what prompts what's prompt and what

129is norms? What are we talking here? Because we hear and often times we hear the word floated around but really don't know and I don't think the public knows the uh the only association you really come away with is what's normal. and what's normal varies from person to person, group to group, situation to situation. So, I was just kind of uh wanted to be more clear on what's prompting it and exactly, you know, where does it go? What what do we want to do with that? So, I mean, anybody can chime in. I don't >> So, typically we have required training once a year from the BSBA who discusses what our um our norms are. I think there was a request tonight specifically to readress the norms as stated for the board. That is a

130ad hoc committee that we uh enacted at the beginning of our tenure last year. And I don't want to put words in Mr. Hedgepat's mouth, but I'm assuming what he's asking is that we revisit those. Can you expand on >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Jafar, for the question. Yes. So, uh we never uh the the uh the ad hoc committee did uh discuss and and create the norms as a draft but we never brought them to the board for discussion and adoption. Um and to us and to the VSBA, the norms are the framework in which we operate. Uh the expectations that we hold each other to. And so um you know ideally those those are something that we start with. Um but everyone deserves grace and so I

131just want to want to bring that back up that maybe we can have that conversation and um I know um Miss Ricard was a part of that group, Mr. Pipal was a part of that group. Uh Dr. Harris Muhammad was a part of that group. I'm sorry if I'm leaving anybody off uh of that. Um, but we can reshare uh the draft. Um, and u does that answer the question? I I hope Mr. Jafari. >> Yeah, I think your final sentence did. Uh, and I would like to see the draft so that I have a concrete idea of what we're talking about. >> I think this fits nicely with us having a new board member coming aboard for us to reestablish what the expectations are and also expand upon them. So this is a perfect

132opportunity to just hold ourselves accountable to what we've put in place and perhaps make adjustments as needed. So thank you both for that dialogue. I was just going to follow up on that. Madam Chair, I will take the responsibility to circulate uh as chair of that ad hoc committee. I will circulate the work that we had done, take feedback, and if necessary, the committee can meet again to make adjustments. >> Thank you, Mr. Ricard. >> Um thank you, Madam Chair. Um I do want to say what Mr. Hedgepath has said was correct. Um and in we I think met at the end of January, early February last year and we actually sent a summary way back then. Now of course that's now almost a year ago. Um I know another thing that was mentioned was

133possibly folding governance under policy and I don't know if Mr. edge has an appetite for that, but I think or if there's room for that. I know policy can sometimes get very busy. Um, but that might be also a good way to just always kind of keep it at the forefront so that we're revisiting it. But I of course defer to him and and what he thinks that committee can hold. But I just wanted to bring that idea up again. >> Thank you. No pressure. Still on it, Mr. Hitch. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Ricard. U I u would defer to the to the board as a whole if we think that's a good fit. Uh bless you, Dr. Greenville. Uh but um I I don't see any problem. I think it's

134a natural fit. Um but I, you know, would most definitely um you know, do what the the will of the board is. So >> what we can do is is add it to the agenda and so we can discuss it openly as a full board. Uh there are a few items. Do you have Okay. So there are a couple items that I wanted to um to bring. Um the first one obviously the um ICE uh town hall just simply scratched the surface which was stated and um there's obviously still a lot of questions. Um, one of the questions that I raised via email was, "What is the structure like with revisiting training?" Um, it's something that I asked a couple weeks ago and it's something that was shared tonight openly by many of the uh,

135associates that they're requesting it and wanting it. And so I know that there is some discussion around individualized training or one off training but I do believe that we have to be sensitive to the times and what it is suggesting us so that we can ensure that we are prepared for anything and so training last year doesn't seem sufficient to me. Um and so I would just um would like to get an understanding or request if something can be put in place to ensure that everyone is trained. I know principles were was it circle you know has that trickle down to just other associates if if anybody's at the door they know what to do that type of thing. So, if we can just get something more specific around what could be created to ensure

136that um our staff uh know any staff members know what to do in the case that someone comes on on property and it's not to incite fear but just preparedness. Miss Hammers. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh yes. Um we need to do more and we will and we will happily report out on it uh at the march. Thank you so much. Um, one second. I'm do my little laundry list then. Um, so another thing, so Mr. Perl and I, we um are a part, we have the opportunity to be a part of the Richmond Ed Funds board conversation once a month. Um, and there was great conversation in that. We had a followup with um, Mr. Cooper, but I think that there is space and opportunity for us to understand the structure of the

137Richmond Ed Fund um to know what their their goals are, what what spaces they're able to um facilitate um support within the schools, what they can't do, how funds are allocated, just a level of a layer of transparency that I don't think we've quite reached yet as a board and I think that would be helpful for us as we continue to advocate for the needs that we have individually and collectively how we can be a partner in that work. And so I have requested um for uh him to share at a later date at a board meeting just um more specific details regarding that. So I just wanted to once it it's on the agenda everyone knew what was that was about. Um, another thing that I was a great opportunity for us to experience

138tonight was um um the our uh Latina um uh member who came up and spoke um and she had someone to interpret right there on the spot. um if we could just look into policy in terms of defining what that looks like um in terms of timing so that it it is a level of consistency but also exception to the fact that um you know she didn't speak English but I thought it was a great example of maybe we need to think through how we approach that hopefully we have more of um the Latina community that can come and we want to be prepared to receive them in the appropriate manner. >> Mr. Jafari, >> thank you. Uh just as a circle back here, I too invite the clarification also about the uh Richmond air

139fund. So I look forward to that as well. But on on other fronts, the what we do about the the coming around and that has slipped in and coming around and trying to identify funds, a funding source to make sure that the youngsters over at Bushaw just aren't cut out. I just wanted to make sure that that that's highlighted. Uh but I can't put it on the back burner, but I also know that from Mr. Hedgepass, not Mr. his Mr. Pival's concerns and coach Eric's concerns earlier, they're they're valid concerns. Those youngsters need lights as well. So, uh, across the division, we're we're dealing with some pressing issues that really cost. So, we're really going to have to like roll that sleeves up and look at this. Um, they they've been doing a yman's job

140at TJ for a minute. I'm at a loss to to say why. And then, you know, that's it. were competitors back in the day, but the truth is the light and they deserve lights. So, so let's be about the business of getting them up there for Thank you for that. >> Um, anything additional? um when you do the presentation on um the training for ICE, could you also um share with us how do we as a division help support the needs of those who are affected by um any type of deportation? Now, I I know there's a thin line. there's work that we can do to support our families, but there's also um a partnership that we have to continue to um create with the city because some of this does extend. I know I've

141had um some really great conversations with city councilwoman Cole Jones about the 9th district and so on and so forth. So, I know that there's some overlap, but just as we think about um this conversation, like how do we connect the dots even if it's not us giving the support like just um resources that can be provided and it's an extension of what we've we've already started in the conversation. All righty. No more new business. Miss Ricard. >> Madame Chair, I move that the school board of the city of Richmond convene in close session. One to consider the appointment of hearing officers. The assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of teachers, principles, assistant principles, classified employees or appointees for discussion, consideration or interview of prospective candidates for employment for teachers, principles, assistant

142principles, classified employees or appointees. The personal actions for today as authorized by VA code 2.2 2-371A1. Two, to discuss student enrollment matter that would involve the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record as authorized by VA code 2.2-3711A2. Three, to discuss and consider the performance of central office employees and to consult with legal counsel regarding the same issues as authorized by VA code 2.2-3711A1. 2-3711A1 NA8 and four to discuss the disposition or surplus of certain schoolboard properties where discussion in open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the school board and to discuss with legal counsel regarding the same issues as authorized by VA code 2.2-3711 A3 and A8. >> Second. It's been moved by Miss Ricard very nicely, I might add, and seconded by Mr. Hedgepath. Madame Clerk, >>

143Mr. Pible, >> yes. >> Miss Ricard, >> yes. >> Mr. Faroo, >> yes. >> Mr. Hedgepath, >> yes. >> Miss Rizzy. >> Mr. Berg, Mr. Jafari, >> yes. >> Miss Fernandez, >> yes. Motion passes. >> We are now in close. Thank you.