RPS School Board Meeting - June 3, 2025

001language justice team. We welcome you. If you need interpretation from English to Spanish, please come see me. I will be at the table in the back with the interpreters. Um I want to remind everyone this evening to please speak at a normal pace and keep your face no more than a couple of inches from the microphone so that our interpreters can hear you clearly. I will now make this announcement in Spanish. Thank you. Moving on to item 1.03, the pledge of allegiance and moment of silence. Um, Mr. Per, could you lead us in the pledge of allegiance, please? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Moving on to 1.04, we need

002a motion to approve the minutes for March 3rd, 25th, April 21st, May 5th, May 6, 2025 school board meetings. Dr. Harris Muhammad. Thank you. I move that we approve the minutes for the following schoolboard meetings. March 13th, March 25th, April the 21st, May 5th, and May 6, 2025. It's been moved by Dr. Harris Muhammad and seconded by Mr. Jafari. Madam Clerk, Mr. Pival, yes. Mr. Card, yes. Mr. Farooq, yes. Mr. Hedgep, yes. Miss Rizzy, Dr. Harris Muhammed, yes. Miss Burke, yes. Mr. Jafari, yes. Miss Fernandez, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Moving right along to 1.05. Um, the adoption of the agenda. Do I have a motion? Dr. Harris Muhammed. I move that we accept the agenda as printed. Second. It's been moved by Dr. Harris Muhammad and seconded by Miss Ricard. Madam clerk, Mr. Mr.

003Pival. Yes. Mr. Card. Yes. Mr. Farooq. Yes. Mr. Hedgepath. Yes. M. Rizzy. Dr. Harris Muhammed. Yes. M. Burke. Yes. Mr. Jafari. Yes. Miss. Fernandez. Yes. Motion passes. Thank you. At this time, we'd ask we're moving right along to recognition. We'd like um my colleague, our colleague um Mr. Mr. Hesp if he could read the receipt proclamation for LGBTQ plus month pride month excuse me. Thank you madam chair. Whereas lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, LGBTQ plus pride month commemorates the events of Stonewall in in June of 1969 and is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ plus community. And whereas in the 56 years since, the LGBTQ plus community has made significant strides towards equality, acceptance, and inclusivity, promoting so social justice, and human rights for all Americans. And whereas education plays a powerful role in

004combating discrimination, promoting acceptance, and empowering students to thrive as their authentic selves. And whereas RPS is committed to making schools safe and inclusive for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning, LGBTQ plus students, staff, and families. And whereas the recognition of Pride Month provides an important opportunity to elevate LGBTQ plus voices, honor the history of LGBTQ plus advocacy and civil rights, and reaffirm our district's dedication to equity, dignity, and respect for all. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that Richmond Public Schools hereby recognizes June 2025 as LGBTQ plus Pride Month and encourages everyone to join in this celebration. Thank you. At this time, I'll read the proclamation for Junth. Whereas Junth celebrated each year on June 19th marks the day in 1865 where enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom over 2 years

005after the emancipation proclamation. And whereas Junth is recognized as the oldest known celebration of the end of sa slavery in the United States honoring the strength, resilience, and enduring contributions of black Americans throughout our nation's history. And whereas Richmond, Virginia, holds a powerful place in the history of black liberation uh with landmarks honoring the lives of formerly enslaved people and their fight for freedom and justice. And whereas RBS is committed to truthtelling, healing, and the continuous work of advancing equity and justice for all students, families, and staff. And whereas Junth serves as both a celebration to a call to action. Excuse me. Junth serves as both a celebration and a call to action, reminding us of how far our nation has come, how much work remains, and the vital importance of education in the ongoing

006pursuit of freedom and equality. Which is more important now than ever before? Now therefore be a proclaim that Richmond public schools hereby recognizes June 19th, 2025 as Junth and encourages everyone to join in this celebration. Thank you. And moving right along to 2.03, 03. We'll have Matt read the recognition for validictorians and saludiatorans. Thank you, Madam Chair. It's with great honor that I read this. Just real quick before I read this, uh I attended graduations last week and had the honor of hearing these the names that I'm about to read, the speeches that were given. And I know that we were supposed to be there to recognize them and inspire them. But I have to tell you that I left after these speeches inspired by these young students. So, thank you so much for allowing

007me to be part of it. That being said, whereas Richmond public schools proudly celebrates the academic excellence, perseverance, and leadership of the class of 2025. And whereas the validictorians and saludiatorans have earned top honors through their dedication and learning and their commitment to their school communities. And whereas these students embody the RPS values of equity, engagement, and excellence and serve as role models for their peers. And whereas their success reflects not only their individual determination, but also the encouragement of their families, teachers, and mentors. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that Richmond public schools hereby recognizes the following RPS class of 2025 validictorians and saludiatorans and encourages everyone to join in this celebration. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Forgive me. Armstrong High School validictorian Billy Perry. Saludiatoran Tyrell Alexander. Franklin Military

008Academy valadictorian Kobe de Guzman. Saludiatoran Amari Mcccomi, Hugenat High School valadictorian Fatma Sidi Elamine. Saludiatoran Saya Bilal, John Marshall High School valadictorian, Brianna Label. Saludiatoran, Felicia Alexander and Zion Stone. Open High School valadictorian Mor Dan Soo. Saludiatoran Sydney King. Richmond Community High School validictorian Taylor Ellis. Saludiatoran Jaylen Miller. Richmond High School for the Arts valadictorian. Shila Scott. Saludiatoran. Lucilia Recendes Torres. Richmond Success Academy Bal Victorian Jonathan Sutton. Saludiatoran Yuribia Diaz Roas, Richmond Virtual Academy. Valadictorian Dejon MacGyver, Saludiatoran, Majesty Wilkerson, Thomas Jefferson High School valadictorian Alexander Davis, Saludiatoran, Colleen Blankenship. Now, we would love to take a picture with our validictorians and saludiatorans. So, if you could all please come up and the board if we could all join together. All right. At this time, we'll move right along to announcements. 3.01. Colleagues, does anyone have

009announcements? Okay. Anybody? Mr. Hedgeback. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh in addition to the graduations that were mentioned earlier last week, I had the privilege of attending the uh the elevation ceremony for our uh awesome eighth graders at Lucille Murray Brown Middle School. So I wanted to give a shout out to those scholars and I'm looking forward to seeing all of the excellent things that they do as they metriculate up into our uh our high schools. Uh the other announcement is that earlier in the month I also had the opportunity to uh attend at Hugenot High School our first uh award ceremony for the seal of bioliteracy where uh we awarded over 100 seals. We had uh I believe it was for the first time uh a Farsy seal as well as a Ukrainian and a

010Russian seal. So um very very awesome things happening. Uh that's a a huge achievement for our kiddos to be able to uh go into um to the the world uh with multiple languages under their belt. So kudos to them. Thank you Dr. Harris Muhammed and then Mr. Jafari. Thank you. First I want to give kudos to the administration and everyone for awesome graduation last week. They were awesome. Thank you so much. The food was good. Um, I mean that's important, but just sharing that the food was good. Um, just in case someone didn't hear me say that. Um, everything was lovely. Thank you so very much for putting that work in. And also to our partners, Richmond Police Department. They were on staff, our care and community safety team, our wellness team. Everything was wonderful.

011Thank you for making us members of the governance team feel like we were extremely important making sure that we were just looking our best. That's it's the little things for me, the care that you all take for us that really means a lot to me. So, thank you for telling me I had lipstick on my teeth and all those other things. Um, no, seriously, thank you. It's the little things. So, just know it doesn't have to be a huge thing to make a difference. It's just being there and showing up. And so I was my heart was happy. I'm also excited to share that our new AI artificial intelligence task force is officially launching now and accepting applications. Can I get a whoop? This task force will help guide our division's approach to the use

012of artificial intelligence in education. We're looking for a diverse group of voices, educators, students, parents, and community members who are interested in serving and it is a service. If you are passionate about the future of learning and technology, we encourage you to apply. More details and the application link will be sent tomorrow in the RPS direct newsletter. Thank you so very much. I'm very excited about that. Thank you, Mr. Jafari. Thanks Madam Chair. I too had the opportunity and blessing to be a part of the graduation ceremonies and it was my first such participation and observation and so I want to just take my head off to Dr. Jefferson and all the entire crew way they took the whole show on the road and and just as if they were in front of their PCs

013here they made everything happen. Having been a a graduate of RPS myself and been in situations where I too walked across that stage and gave addresses, it was really a full 360 for me to be able to stand there and greet others who who took the same path and to also realize and and help to share with them encouragement for staying the course because RPS really produces scholars and the fact that all of those people walk proves it. Now, the second thing I want to share is last week I also had the opportunity of being a part of the uh Blackwell Elementary School's moving on ceremony for their fifth graders. Awesome awesome environment and aura. But again, I want to circle and thank Dr. Jeffson because at the last minute I I contacted them and

014they wanted to color guard there and that was something that hadn't been anticipated. But instead of making excuses, they made it happen. I just want to applaud them for that and great job and everybody all of the the families really appreciate it. So I just wanted you guys to know that. Thanks again. Thank you Miss Ricard and then Miss Burke. Thank you Madam Chair. Um just wanted to recognize a few things happening in the schools in district 2. Richmond Success Academy held their first ever field day this past month and it was just a lovely experience of community building. Um their PE teacher, Miss Cruz, organized all the favorites of sack races and three-legged race and then they had a cookout at the end and um principal cheetum is working hard to rebrand that school

015and build up that culture and it was really evident that day. Um, and then just two other things. I had the pleasure of attending all the moving up ceremonies at district 2 and wanted to recognize Miss Cross at Carver. She is their music teacher and the kids musical performances were amazing. She did three numbers and they were all spliced of different popular songs and all the fifth graders sang and had little movements and she just did a wonderful job. Um, and then finally, I was at Fox yesterday helping Clark Springs, helping with the move, and in the library, there were several district librarians who had come to help pack up. And I am assuming that is on their own time and out of the goodness of community and helping each other out. And I think

016that's what makes RPS special, that when we need help, we help each other. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Burke. Then, Miss Rizzie. Thank you, Madam Chair, and good evening, everyone. I am one happy, elated school board member and then some. Today, at the University of Richmond, the grass program, which is the great aspiration scholarship program that gives scholarships to over 130 different schools throughout the state of Virginia. I'm pleased to serve on that board as well. every rich I was one of the speakers. There were two of us. Mr. Hedgepath, I need your help. Um, Senator Van Bulinberg, Bulinberg of whom is a great advocate for children in public education. We had a long conversation was the speaker and then I had the opportunity to follow him and uh my theme was this is your

017story. Tell it. Tell it because no one else can tell it like you. But they to see the students and I know there are teachers here tonight whose each high school was represented for Richmond public schools, um, Henryo County schools, Chesterfield County Schools, Caroline County Schools, Gooseland County School, and Powatan. We had over 200 students today and you should have seen Richmond public schools if you were not there. Our students looked like they walked out of the met gayla. They were so they were awesome. Um, a couple of them had a chance to meet their future college president because they were there as well. The greatest part about this ongoing partnership and one reason why I serve our children get money right now. That's a challenge. Colleges are um very very very expensive. A lot

018of them are going to community college. A lot of them are going all over the place, including some of our favorite H.B.CU. But to make a long story short, congratulations to those students that represented well. And our students to be in that program, they just had to come and keep their grades up and then some. So, thank you for our teachers and faculty and staff members that were there today as we celebrated at a beautiful linen silverplated beautiful catered lunchon. My other question um excuse me thought is okay on this Saturday. This is um RVA Thrive. I just had it on my phone. Forgive me because I want people to come out to this if they can. RVA thriving together family and friends day will take place at Gillies Creek in the east end. The

019purpose of this event is sponsored through the city of Richmond justice services department. So there will be every official person but we want all family members to come out. The main thing is recognizing those persons that have lost family members due to violence and we will um call out their names. When we stop speaking their names, we forget them. So, it's important that we continue to call their names. And also, there'll be um jumping apparatuses, water slides, the whole nine yards. And this is from 1 to 4:00 p.m. Gillies Creek Park. If you didn't know, that is in the 7th 7th district in Fulton, 4301 Hobs Lane, 23231. And my last um thought is regarding the graduations. I am so proud. I think it was one of the best we've had for as some one

020school told me today that I didn't attend theirs. Well, you missed the best one. And I won't tell you what I said, but I said all of our schools are the best. And I won't elaborate upon that, but I'm so proud of the security we had, the manner in which our students presented themselves. They walked like kings and queens, and I'm very thankful to the departments that um facilitated that process. Thank you so much. Thank you, Miss Rizzie. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. Uh I also want to just thank everyone who was involved with organizing um the graduations. They were beautiful ceremonies. Uh I want to shout out all of the student performers. Uh the performances were just topnotch. Um our students are so talented. Um, and I want to shout out my personal favorite,

021which would be the Richmond High School for the Arts, uh, jazz band and choir. They were just beautiful. Um, I got a chance to stop by the prek curriculum fair at Maymont Elementary, and I will tell you, I saw some wonderful options. So, I'm really excited to see where we head with those uh with that curriculum. Um, yeah, it was it was just really awesome to see the I mean I you know I think Mr. Cameron saw some win. We p picked up so many like takeaways. I have like little stuffed animals and manipulatives and you know I'm just really excited to see where we head with that. Um and then I was invited to stop by the um make sure I get this right. Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy. um and was given

022a surprise award for being a friend of that school. And so I just want to shout them out and to thank them for recognizing um you know my impact, but also you know to to shout out how well and how how um just you know that's a very special group of students and they do such an awesome job serving them and those kids are so happy there. So shout out back to them. Um, and I think that's that's it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Perl. And then Mr. Fu. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, just a quick announcement. This past Friday, if you missed it, Mary Mumford Elementary School had their fifth grade moving on ceremony. Being the representative from the first district, it seems wherever I go when I stop, someone asked the same question,

023and it is, "How is Greg Music doing?" Principal music at Mary Mumford. um to which I usually respond with, "He's doing well. He's out of the hospital. He's at sheltering arms. He's recovering." Well, the fifth graders were treated to a special appearance, a special guest on Friday. If you haven't guessed yet, Mr. Music showed up to the fifth grade moving on ceremony on Friday. It was a surprise to everybody. Uh I wasn't able to attend because of of graduation conflicts, but from what I understand from friends and so forth, there was not a dry eye in the school as I can understand. But uh I call that out to show I I think Greg exemplifies the leadership, the resiliency that we've come to expect in RPS and we appreciate him for all that he does.

024Thank you, Mr. Farooq. Thank you, Madam Chair. In addition to the amazing high school graduations where we're celebrating all of our youth that made it through our system, I was also honored to attend the moving on ceremony at one of our preschools at Mary Scott Preschool which is in the north side in the historic Washington Park neighborhood. And it really was awesome to get to see both sides, to see our youngest learners and see just how excited their parents and aunts and uncles and cousins, but also all the staff in the school packing into the little rooms, the janitors, the drivers, the security staff to watch the youngest learners who in some cases are only at Mary Scott for a year uh move on and be celebrated. And it's a real testament to how RPS

025is not just a school system, but in many cases as a real family where so much of our staff really pour themselves into our kids. That being said, I also want to just make a note that tragically we lost another member of our family earlier um in Sherrod Bocher. Um sadly, one of Sherrod's siblings is a classmate of my sons. And the tragedy truly is not just that we lost another light and treasure in our family. And at his ceremony, at his memorial service, not just students and family, but every adult that interacted with Sherrod talked about the light and laughter he brought into their lives. The tragedy is also that this isn't even the first time we've lost a member of our family to gun violence. And it can never and should never be

026normalized. We can never and should never accept it. I know that everyone up here, every one of our staff absolutely is dedicated to keeping our kids safe, but we can't rely on individual solutions to systemic problems. Um, we can't just rely on trying to do small things for a massive systemic problem. That it is the leading cause of death for young people in America, even overtaking auto accidents. And so that's my reminder to ourselves and to our family that I'm never going to accept this as normal. I will never normalize it and shrug my shoulders. We all, those of us in positions of leadership, have to make sure that we're doing everything we can to keep our young people safe. And I grieve with the family. I can't imagine what it feels like to lose

027a child, to lose a cousin or a brother or a son. Um, my thoughts are with their family and we'll continue to grieve and feel Sherrod's absence. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Thank you. Um, I also have a couple of remarks as well. Um, interestingly enough, I I'll just stay in the same vein that you are, Mr. Baroo. Um, you know, we experienced a lot of loss this year due to gun violence. And um being a mom of two children, I can only imagine um what a parent could go through to receive that phone call. And a lot of times, you know, we we grieve and and we we mourn with the families. You know, special thanks to Richmond Ed Fund who who supports those efforts um to ensure that they have proper burials.

028Um but we oftentimes forget about the teachers that bear the huge responsibility of sharing um such grief to students and staff. Um and it's just a cry out for more mental health services for our teachers as well as our students. um because this is something that they not only experienced with our students, but we've also lost staff um several staff members this year and our hearts cry out to the families. Um, but I just want to just say a special note to the principles of the schools that we see you and we are here to support you as you continue to support our communities and our families and our staff and our scholars and just thank you for the passion and the integrity for which you serve. Um, I would like to also shift gears

029and share a heartfelt thanks to uh everyone that had something to do with the graduation um that took place all across Richmond this year. Um, I will tell you I don't normally call out names, but I want to call out names this time because a lot of times we we come and we we have this wonderful exchange and experience, but we take for granted sometimes the behind the scenes and I will tell you that it was a wellrun machine. Um, and from the time that that we we were there, just logistics with parking, um, we know that I am, um, you know, I'm adverse to parallel parking. So, um, a parking deck is always appreciated. And so, just those small things, ensuring that we were together, some of us had to run in and out.

030I had the pleasure of of being at all of the high school graduations this year. and um firsthand witness the ex the amazing um service that we received and from so I want to call out uh Candace uh Vini Chaplain um who um kept us all in line she was amazing uh Courtney uh Ward thank you so much for Ward that's um typ um thank you for your efforts uh as well um partic particularly those two. I mean, to Dr. Harris Muhammad's point, it was um is your hair out of place? Is the lipstick in your teeth? That type of thing. Bonnie Blake Wilson, um Francina Simmons, Dedra Starks, Alicia Swank, Kylie Flicker, Flinger, Flicker, Flickinger, my apologies. Um, Solomon Jefferson, um, Chief Parks, thank you so much for your efforts, Mr. Beasley, thank you

031so much. RI, um, you know, Richmond, um, police department, VCU Police, the Seagull Center for their, um, hospitality, VU, um, you know, it's we live in a a day and time where we can't take for granted that we walked out and everything went fine. And so just thank you all for just making us feel safe. And then um last but uh certainly not last not least um because I was at the high school graduations this year, I was unable to attend any of the schools in my district um for their um moving on ceremony. But I did want to give a shout out to Principal Arga, Principal Ryan, Principal Holmes, um principal Rainey, Principal Thally, and Principal Regis. um for just the work that they've been able to accomplish this year in jail Francis, Reed,

032Red, Miles Jones, River City, and Cardinal. Um I wasn't there in person, but I was there in spirit and heard um that everything went on without a hitch. And so, thank you for your your service. And so, with that, I think we can transition on. At this time, we'll move to 4.01 um public information. U madame clerk, if you could read the guidelines, please. Conduct of speakers. Speakers shall state their full legal name prior to addressing the school board. Speakers will address the school board as a whole rather than individual schoolboard members, the division superintendent, schoolboard attorney, clerk, or any other staff. The 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

033promote 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 chair may refer that individual to Richmond Public Schools Administration for one-on-one consultation and followup. Is important that all community members who wish to participate in the public information period abide by the guidelines set forth in this policy. Refusal to abide by the policy will result in a forfeite of the remaining time that has been allotted to the speaker. Committee members may express their views in writing in lie of any oral presentation. Comments received in writing in lie of an oral presentation will not be read during the meeting but shall be posted to the schoolboard platform board or docs. We ask that those that are pre-registered tonight when you approach

034the podium, please find your name on the list and just give us your initials so we can verify that you were in attendance. Thank you. Um before we uh call out the names, uh thank you Miss Richardson for just ensuring that everyone was made aware um for those who are here and were not present last night or were not able to view. The board did make um a very strategic decision to ensure that we're able to hear all of the pre-registered speakers. With that in mind, uh those uh persons who are speaking tonight, um you will have uh two minutes to speak, we ask that you would respect that time frame as well as um for organizations, it'll be 3 minutes. We absolutely want to hear from you. And so just know that this is

035something this is not a sacrifice that um we we this is a sacrifice that we're all willing to make to ensure that we're able to hear your hearts on this evening. With that in mind, we ask that you minimize uh commotion so that we can hear speakers clearly and um respect the deis by not calling out. I know that it when it's in passion and it's something that is um you're very passionate about that um it's easy to to want to respond but we just ask that you would keep things um to a minimum so that we can move um swiftly and so that we can hear everyone who is signed up with that. Uh I will call you all three at a time. when you come up, if you could please initial by your

036name. We've set up a system to kind of make things flow a little bit easier. So, you don't have to write out your full name, but we just want you to initial by your name. That just acknowledges that that you were present. Um, at this time, we'd ask if Alana Harris, Crystal Web, and Mariah White would come forward in that order. I'll call that out again. Alana Harris, Crystal Web, Mariah Wyatt, are you present? Okay, thank you. Good evening. If Crystal Web and Alana Harris are not present, we'd ask that Brian Petrusa. Oh, I see. Thank you. Good evening, school board, Madame President, Vice President, and the rest of the school board. Um, I just heard what you just said about uh the speech controlling the speech time and I'm a little concerned about that

037because we used to have to read every public comment for hours when it was during covert time. But what I want to talk about is accountability. Um, first of all, I would like to say thank you uh to the staff who did the first graduation at Richmond Success Academy. I was there and it was uh very nice and I felt very safe uh with the security and the police officers. But what I couldn't understand is why was there uh a graduation for six individuals for virtual the virtue learning center when they could have just been under the same umbrella as success academy graduation. My other thing that I would like to talk about that I think that I was listening was about uh we have a lot of vacancies and I'm not understanding why we

038have and the public as well as the community and I'm a parent of two. Why do we have a school system that doesn't have an operation officer and you're using a principal director, one of the principal directors when you actually have a facility management person who definitely knows um construction. Also, I understand that you do need an auditor, junior auditor and several team members as auditors. Um, as you stop 30 seconds. Oh, Ch and I know I am aware of Cherry um Burkett being the internal audit, but for one thing, I don't know if the board forgot Cherry Burket was supposed to do Megan Walker's governor's audit. That was two years ago and they still haven't completed three years of that. and and Dr. Lori, bless his soul, he's not here any longer, but those

039audits needs to be done so that the books can be transferred to him. Reicho, thank you. Good evening. Good evening. Could you state your name so I can Thank you, Miss Harris. Imagine it being your birthday, but instead of getting to enjoy your day, you get to explain to your mom how another child came across the classroom, jumped on the desk, hit you in the face. Imagine being the day before winter break, and you go to use the restroom appropriately, only to walk into a group of children with phones out telling you that you will fight a child taller than your parent. And when you say no, that child still hits you and slam you on concrete. All the while is being recorded to be later posted on social media. And even though you call

040for help, no adult showed up. All this and more has happened to my autistic child under RPS care. My child verbally defends himself and gets suspended. As a parent, Dogwood administration has said directly to me things like Miss Scott saying it's not staff's job to restrain a child that's attacking another. Mr. Jacobs saying that autism has nothing to do with behavior. Dr. Bey saying I will not hold him up while trying to address an assault that occurred on the bus and calling security to remove me even though I was not I right. Imagine being a parent and your child sitting at your table crying because he can't do anything. He can't defend himself, but the kids does not stop. He was hospitalized for suicidal ideulation and still nothing was done at all. Dr. Muhammad told

041me that she could not do anything until an investigation occurred. Dr. Waller, Miss Waller said that she will look into it, but I never heard anything back. And Jason Cameas, oh, he likes to loop other people in. Something needs to be done. Thank you, Miss Harris. Could you state your name for me? I'm a little bit out of order here. Crystal. Okay, great. And and before you speak, I'm sorry. Um Brian Patruska, my Taylor, and Kima Williams, if you could come forward. Thank you. As a concerned parent and community member, I can't stay silent anymore. RPS, do better. We're tired. Tired of the broken promises. Tired of being ignored. tired of our kids being treated like they don't matter. Parents are struggling, our children are suffering, and the silence from leadership is deafening. How do

042you fire dedicated bus drivers? How do you expect kids to get to school on time or even get there at all? You got parents missing work, scrambling for rides, losing jobs, and you just look the other way like it doesn't even matter. On top of this, there are issues that have gone unressed. Poor communications with families, unsafe school environments, lack of support for special needs students, inconsistent discipline, and bullying not taken seriously, teacher and staff shortages, faculties that are falling apart, parents being ignored when they raise concern. We are tired. We are done being tired and we will speak up. RPS leadership, you owe this community answers. Where's the accountability? Where's the plan to safely get our kids to school? Where's the plan for our kids to not only be scared in the schools, but

043in the streets? Where's the respect for the people who make these schools run? It's time for transparency, responsibility, and action. We demand better. We deserve better. And our future deserves better. RPS do better. Thank you. Good evening, members of the school board. My name is Brian Petrusca. I am a general counsel for the Luna Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizing Coalition. I'm speaking tonight on behalf of laborers local 804 and on behalf of the RPS5, the five bus drivers who were uh discharged in April. Um as a union and as a school district, we have two paths in front of us. One is working together in partnership for the good of the city and the students and the other involves more conflict. I'm hoping for the best, but we are prepared for all eventualities. An injustice has been

044done to the RPS5 and it needs to be corrected. The school board's policy guarantees them an opportunity to respond to allegations of misconduct. This board's policy guarantees them a right to an appeal to the school board. I'm certain that there are facts that this board is unaware of with respect to the RPS5. Um, and if this determination decisions are to stand, I would urge the school board to give the opportunity, give us the opportunity to give you all of the facts. If we follow the process set forth in this board's policy, I'm certain that we will get to the truth, and the truth will lead to a just outcome. So let's follow a fair process. Let's get to a fair conclusion and then as a school district and the employees, let's put ranker aside, join

045hands and move forward in a positive direction for the school district. Thank you. Thank you Taylor. Somebody going to get him. Kima Williams is next if you want to come forward while they're there. And then Sunonny Randolph will be after that. Good evening, school board. Again, I stand before you stating the same thing. My name is Kim Williams. I've been employed for 25 years at Richmond Public Schools. I'm also a driver trainer and um it's been well over six weeks since I was unlawfully targeted and terminated by Richmond public schools. for attending a board meeting, which I have attended over the past year faithfully. Um, all I'm asking for today is that you all listen to the facts, have a conversation with the drivers who were just were unjustly unjustifiably terminated, and see our side

046and the facts. And we ask that you all should reinstate us because over the past six weeks we have scrambled, scraped, and figured out how we were going to feed our children and pay our bills and our mortgages over a lie. So I ask y'all to just look at the facts and have a conversation and we ask you reinstate everybody from the RPS5. And thank you. Thank you, Sunonny Randolph. and then Cynthia Cole, Patina Hickman, Daryl Bryson Williams. Good evening, school board and then the superintendent. My name is Sunonny Randolph, employee of RPS for over 11 years. First, I want to thank the superintendent and then the school board for having a successful school year. I'm here today to get some answers about three things. Why has RPS not responded to the 15 days grievance

047process? How did RPS violate my first amendment rights to freedom of speech? And when will they grant me my 14th amendment right to have a due process? Our civil rights leaders marched and died for these rights. Richmond is supposed to be a progressive city in support of collective bargaining and democratic process. The school board members are public elected officials responsible for governing and protecting the school district including the staff members. We the RPS were wrongly accused of being on strike and wrongly terminated. Such action requires a terror investigation before termination. And for the school board members, silence and allowing such unjust accusations leveled against RPS5 without any proper investigation is unfair to RPS. It's been over six weeks. This unjust termination has caused us physical and emotional distress. Can we reinstate IPS 5? We will

048not rest until justice is served. Thank you. Thank you. Next up is uh Cynthia Cole Katina Hickman, Derell Bryson Williams. If none are present, we'll move along. Keon Shim, William McGee, and Bernard Brown. Yes sir. You could just initial by your name and if you could state your name for me so I can keep record on my list here. Daryl Brunson. Thank you. 38 days later. I'm trying to figure out find out why I was fired. 38 days ago I was falsely accused of refusing to do my activity when I don't have one. I'm RPS only floater. I'm not assigned to no school routes or activities for the whole two years of working at RPS. So why was I accused of leaving thousand students stranded at the school for their activities to activities when it

049came across the radio at 3:00 that it was canled. I never met the other four drivers until we had received a termination letter and had to meet at Norell Elementary School on the 25th of April. So, how did I get with or met the other drivers to orchestrate a strike when they're on the north side and I'm on the south side? I like to know who gave my name to be put on a list of drivers that had activities when I don't have one. 38 days later, after 38 days, why wasn't I brought in for my due process? Why wasn't I able to defend myself against these false applications? Why was my first, fifth, sixth, 8, and 14th amendment violated? Why every other employee after us and before us had gotten their due process and

050we didn't. All the RPS5 wanted our due process and to be reinstated and made whole again. I believe deep down in my heart y honestly and truly wants to do the right thing. So with my closing remarks, may Allah bring peace in whatever decision y'all make. Thank you, Pastor McGee. Sorry, one second. Okay. Um, we had Keon Shim, Bernard Brown, and Lkesha Williams. If you're present, if you could make sure that you line up so we're aware that you're here. If not, we're going to continue to move forward. My apologies. Please continue. Right. Good evening everybody. Um I'm here on behalf of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Before I start, I was uh very much hoping to see the blue hat that I saw online. So um you all may know the Southern Christian Leadership

051Conference was uh founded by Dr. Martin Luther King. A lot of people try to quote Dr. King, speak Dr. King talk when it's important to them. Dr. King stood for justice. He stood with organized labor. If Dr. King were here today, he'd be standing down here. He'd be standing right here with these people asking that you reinstate them. Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference are here on behalf of the RPS 5. what was done was um not in accordance with schoolboard policy from what I understand and and I'll explain it this way. I was an administrator with Richmond public schools for 20 years, right? And I taught here for six years. Uh, as an administrator, Miss Burke, we knew, I'm sorry, we knew that we had to do due process before we terminated

052or sanctioned an employee. We had to bring them in. We had to let them write a statement. We had to get their side of the story. And then we presented that to central office for some type of action. I don't think that was done in this circumstance. And I don't understand why the due process was not done for the employees. Kima Williams was my student for four years at John F. Kennedy High School. She loves Richmond public schools. She was hurt when she was terminated because she's driven here for 25 years. With a degree, she could be doing something else. The other point is, you know how important it is to have bus drivers when school starts. The other districts are salivating because if we create a hostile atmosphere for bus drivers, Henriiko, Hanover, and

053Chesterfield will take our bus drivers. You've already trained them. They're already good. They'll be going to the other counties and will not be driving for Richmond public schools and then we will be looking for bus drivers to train again. Please do the right thing. Remember, if Dr. King was here, he'd be standing with organized labor. God bless you all and have a great evening. Thank you. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Uh my name is Keon Shim. Uh I've come before you many times in the past. Um I am the business manager of Local 804 representing the transportation workers. Very obvious why I'm here today as well. Um, I'll keep it short and sweet. One of our drivers is a 29year service to RPS. To put that in perspective, Tupac was still alive when she started

054driving the bus. We're here to be partners, not adversaries. And we hope that we can move forward together as partners. And we can find the solution to this issue and work together. And hopefully we can get these folks back to work and get back to what real issue at hand is making sure that we are efficient and we are serving the community as they deserve it. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next up, we have Bernard Brown, Lkesha Williams, and Forester, and James JJ Miner. In that order, Hey, Bernard Brown. Good evening. Good evening. I'm a bus operator. just completed my sixth year in transportation. I'm a retired plant superintendent from a major private industry here in central Virginia. In my role, I was responsible for counseling, teaching, giving performance reviews, hiring, and firing. One

055thing I've come to realize at RPS is that there's a stress level many operators and monitors endure. Whether whether it be from parents or children threatening them or children fighting fighting each other on the buses with very little to minuscule consequences. Now, just for a minute, just imagine in your work areas, there's children jumping all over your desk. Uh they're screaming, they're fighting, and their parents are threatening you because you tried to somehow control them. But the difference is we're driving school buses to and from school while safely all the while this is happening. I'd like to encourage each of you to take some time to ride along with some of our drivers just to see what they go through. I believe this would be beneficial to all to understand the magnitude of a driver

056and monitor's jobs. Actually, before I joined RPS, I had no idea. Now, I'm saying all this to say 30 seconds. I've gotten to know four of the RPS5 fairly well doing during my tenure. These drivers are not slackers. They don't underperform. They don't lack initi in initiative. They all actually have dealt with the daily grind bus drivers go through. And one thing I know is that they all love and take pride in what they do. firing them for attending a meeting such as this is gross infraction of termination. Thank you. Thank you. Kesha Williams and Forester James JJ Miner Judy Dykeman. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. My name is Lisa Williams. I am a parent, a resident, and a staff member of the 8th and the 9th district. I don't even know where to start this

057afternoon. Um, I was very appalled of watching a meeting last night of several different topics from safety to transportation to hostile work environments in buildings to lack of resources for children to humbling the community for public comment till I get here and I can't even get in. Been a staff member of this district for 19 years. I've never been turned away from coming to a school board meeting. If anything, I should be an honorary school board member because I come to every single meeting. It's been days I've sat in here and it's just been only me and y'all. So, I'mma start off by addressing as a parent. I have went year after year after year looking for support from Richmond High School of the Arts and I haven't gotten it. This is the third year

058that my son's IEP is out of compliance. I've had meetings with everybody that sit at this table and this is about the third time that I've addressed the issue with you guys. The second thing is as a parent taking away recess as a disciplinary method. I don't know how many times I have to ask for that to not be done. It's no better way for me to come forth and say it, ask it or whatever. I've taken my lunch break and watch children stand on a fence during recess. Why? What is that you What is we accomplishing? um the disrespect that students get from staff members being cussed out or using vulgar language. My child has came home several days saying how inappropriate someone speaks to him. As a staff member, I took a new

059role this school year. It was the most toxic work environment I ever experienced, let alone the administrator didn't get any support. I thought it was going to be the children. And I was kind of shocked and I said, "I have to prepare myself for middle school students." Nope. Wasn't the children time. We got to do better. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. My name is Ann Forester. I am the REA president and I'm speaking on behalf of the union tonight. Um, I'll start off with the budget. Thank you for ensuring that the funding of the collective bargaining agreements is included. The legal obligation of the RPS administration and school board. I do want to highlight some inconsistencies regarding what we do actually have money for versus what we've said we can't fund. We're slated to

060cut 24 teacher positions and three IAS. With other new positions coming in, this equates to a 1% increase in staff levels for evolutionary and a 1% decrease for secondary. However, the central office administration is increasing by 16%. Sure, we are within the ratios of the VDOE, but that's the floor, not the ceiling. Has anyone ever heard someone in the Richmond community say that we have too many teachers and IAS, and what are they even doing? I definitely haven't. I have heard a lot of people wonder what all these folks making six-figure salaries that don't work directly with students are doing. There's also something I'd like to highlight that relates to the termination of the five RPS bus drivers. The previous school board fired the then REA president rather than grant her an unpaid leave of

061absence, which had long been the president. The talent chief at the time argued that this was due to the alleged teacher shortage in special ed. The superintendent and the legal council held firm on this reasoning. Yet, here we are a year later and in our budget for next year, we can easily eliminate three special ed positions. It's obvious to all who put bother to put two and two together that the administration denying the REA president the right to an unpaid leave of absence to conduct union business like upholding our contracts simply can't be because of a teacher shortage. RPS terminated our president's employment citing the sped teacher shortage and at the same breath has eliminated sped teacher positions. The writing is on the wall. This is a bold-faced attempt to break the power of the

062union under the advice of anti-UN lawyers hired by RPS, who previously served as the Virginia School Board's lobbyists for the campaign against collective bargaining rights in Virginia. I don't think the board is intentionally seeking to weaken the union, but you need to be aware of who you have working for you. Similarly, we've heard that the board is being encouraged to consider amending the collective bargaining resolution. If this really is a good faith effort, it should be done through negotiations with the unions. So, if you are in close session and the superintendent or attorneys tell you that what the bus drivers did was illegal, I want you to remember that they also said it was illegal to give ASL interpreters continuing contracts. I also want you to remember that this time last year, the superintendent accused

063me of liable in an email with those same attorneys CCD after I named that the firing of our president was an act of union busting. 30 seconds. That was union busting then and it continues now with the RPS5. Reinstate the RPS5 and I encourage you to participate in the bus ride along being organized by Lyona. I also encourage you to follow through on forming a committee to search for new legal counsel as you debated following the reinstatement of the ASL contracts last summer. Thank you. Thank you. Um and I just have some data around some of the points I made if I could. You can pass them to Miss Richardson, please. Thank you so much. If we could discontinue the outburst, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much. Thank you. Good evening everyone.

064James JJ Miner the third Armstrong statistics total exceptional education students 183 167 enrolled at Armstrong 16 placed elsewhere. Private day placements 11 children hospital placements two Maga Walker Governor School two Appamag Regional School one graduating seniors with disabilities 4 to three incoming freshmen with disabilities 37 from MLK 30 from Albert Hill four from River City Middle School three would not be able to offer all AP courses potentially would lose three total students with disabilities would not have the opportunity to take AP courses due to inability to create co-taught sections losing two African-American male teachers increase increased size class for both general ed teachers and special ed teachers. Negative impact on staff and student morale. Armstrong has increased outcomes in areas of math, English, and science. Within the last two years, Armstrong has increased its graduation

065rate with the last three years. Projected enrollment to increase when Kraton Court area is revitalized. Armstrong served five housing developments, the most in the city, and we require much support. Two of the level teachers are Armstrong alumni who we counted to become teachers. Two of the leveled teachers were instructional assistants who became teachers of at Armstrong. One of the leveled teachers was a long-term substitute that went back to school over the summer to take a class to become a teacher at Armstrong. Simply put, you should know what's going on. We grow our own teaching staff. Shouldn't a principal have had input in the moving of teachers from Armstrong High School? You need to bring those teachers back. Reverend Bob Winfrey and a host of other ministers is also opposed to moving teachers from Armstrong High

066School. 30 seconds. By the way, we should keep the AHS name and honor part of the building as Kennedy. You all have been slapping the 23223 zip code around for quite some time. Your fruit is sour and there's nothing sweet about it. We are watching. And by the way, it's hot in here. Where the fans at? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Miner. Good evening. My name is Judy Dykeman and I am the coordinator of library services. Sorry, before you begin, we want to hear everyone who has signed up. We ask that you just respect the deis and allow everyone to speak their allotted time. We really appreciate it. Thank you so much. Thank you. Good evening, school board members. My name is Judy Dykeman and I am the coordinator of library services for the district.

067I am here to speak on behalf of and to advocate for my school libraries in relation to the drastic budget cut for the upcoming school year. I would be remiss and not fulfilling my job if I did not speak up and advocate for my 45 school libraries. The budget that was presented a couple weeks ago with the cuts did not provide any detail. It stated general reductions that were being made. reduction academic office included supplies, textbooks, travel, and contracts. Imagine my shock and dismay when I opened the budget document in the board docs yesterday and saw that the budget for school libraries was being cut in half. The books and periodicals budget line is not a central office expense, but it is the library budget for each of our school libraries. Five preschool, 25 elementary,

068seven middle, and eight high. The original budget amount for each school is based on student population and the current cost of librarybound materials. This 50% cut will have a drastic consequence and will impact our students library experience tremendously. The new budget amount is $60,000 below what this line was budgeted for in 2018 and we didn't have five preschool libraries at the time. We have been building a culture of literacy through our school libraries and this reduction greatly impacts this effort and this focus. I ask that you please revisit the library services portion of the budget and support our students in their school libraries. Thank you. Thank you. Next up, we have Shaunie McBride, Tenanisha Archer, Charles Brown, Marshelle Pleasant. Good evening. My name is My name my name is Shaik Larissa McBride. Um I'd like

069to speak on requests for a fair distribution of bonuses. This isn't just about the money, it's about being overlooked. The bonus that was given on pay period May 15, 2025 went to contract workers only and didn't include food service workers like myself. It's my desire that we can still be included for this bonus before the July 1st deadline. We are an important part of the RPS team because we are among the first people to greet the children when they arrive at school. We work hard to provide well-balanced meals and encourage students to make healthy choices to get through their day. We have built lasting relationships with our students, staff, and communities. Being overlooked is a painful experience. Feeling helpless can be very discouraging. But I believe that if I take the time to speak up,

070someone will listen. Not only do we deserve to be rewarded for the work we've done, the work we do and will do, but we also deserve to be seen as important asset of the RPS team because we all matter. Thank you. Tanisha Archer, Charles Brown, Marshel Pleasant, Nicole Sparkman. Are any of you present? Hi. If you could just line up, I would appreciate it. Thank you so much. Could you state your name for me? Thank you. Superintendent Cameas. Madame Chair, members of the school board, I am Marshall Pleasant. I don't believe the microphone is on. Just hit that but okay. Is it on now? Okay. I am Marshall Pleasant, a member of the strong at Armstrong High School. I am here tonight to emphasize the substantial impact across academic, operational, and emotional dimensions. This level

071of reduction to our teaching staff will undoubtedly compromise Armstrong High School's ability to meet the accountability benchmarks set by the state. The progress we have achieved under the current staffing model at Armstrong High School has been both measurable and significant. Any major changes to this structure we have built and could ultimately prove counterproductive to sustaining continued growth of our students. The academic impact for the Armstrong building includes the following. Courses with low enrollment may be cut or merged, therefore limiting student choices and disrupting curriculum continuity. As teachers are reassigned or reduced, remaining staff often absorb additional students, affecting individualization and increased CBA payments. Changes in teacher assignments can destroy rapport, consistency, and academic progress. and specialized programs such as AP, SPED, ELS, and a variety of electives would would be inappropriately affected. Staff morale and

07230 seconds is yet another concern. Many of the staff members affected by reassignments or reductions may feel undervalued or anxious and can quickly become disengaged. Burnout and workload imbalance leads to increased need for mental health time. Professional development disruptions for teachers move to new content areas or grade levels may lack the necessary support to function successfully. Time. Thank you. So I say make it make sense. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. You could state your name for me. Dr. Nicole Sparkman. Thank you. Greetings to you all. I am Dr. Nicole Sparkman. I am closing out my 20th year in the classroom as a family and consumer sciences teacher. 16 of these years have been in service to the Richmond City Public School System. I have only been at two locations in 16 years. What I

073can tell you about RPS and the two schools that I have taught in, number one, culture, community culture is supported and number two, comprehensive high schools are actually communities and quickly transform into families over time and experience. It seems that RPS has traded in its family oriented culture for a plantation style business. It has been recorded through history that individuals on plantations could be sold off at will. While Armstrong High School faculty family members are not being sold, they are being ripped from our community as was done in the antibbellum south. In my 16 years in RPS, I have never seen such callous and inconsiderate building leveling. We understand that changes must be made, but why do the changes that have been made by this administration and board seem to be affecting the AHS family

074so heavily? We are not just any kind of business. We are a community of loving people who rely on each other for many things outside of academics. You are not reassigning special education teachers. You are ripping away coaches, mentors, club advisors, favorite teachers, confidants, and sometimes substitute parents. These individuals were only given vague notices of intended forced transfers. Is this how we close with love? Ripping teachers from their school communities not allowing for proper transition or goodbyes simply does not feel like love, nor does it seem morally sound. Thank you. Thank you. I have um Tanisha Archer, Charles Brown, Robert Valentine, and Tama Quinn. I'm sorry. What is your name, sir? Charles Brown. Perfect. Thank you. All right. I promise not to be before you long. My name is Charles Brown. I am a organizer

075with Iona, but you've already heard from our general counsel as well as our business manager. So, I won't repeat too many of those points that were already made, but I do want to speak from the aspect of being an educator in um a district in um the 757 Newport News and speak on the fact that what's happening here isn't just affecting Richmond. It's not just staying in Richmond. that this um tragedy, as you can see, you can kind of tell who I'm here with and my purpose for being here from what's on my shirt, but this is not just a Richmond issue at this point. Fact that state code was cited as the reason for the firearm makes this a state issue and an injustice that the whole world is looking at, but especially other

076municipalities in the state of Virginia. So, I'm here out of love both for the um Richmond F, the RPS5, but also for you all because at the end of the day, you're here to look after the teachers, the administrators, but also the kids of this great city. So, we just ask y'all to do the right thing, especially being that you've recognized Junth. It's ironic that we have a injustice happening modern day, yet we're recognizing um sins that were supposedly corrected from the past. So, I'm going to end it with reinstate the RPS5 and do the right thing. Thank you. Thank you, Robert Valentine. Tamika Quinn. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening, everyone. My name is Robert Valentine and I am currently a special education teacher in the history department at Armstrong High School. Not only

077am I the current head boys JV basketball coach as well as the assistant for varsity, but I am an alumni of Armstrong High School. I feel as if my role at Armstrong is bigger than being a teacher or coach. I serve as a current mentor to many of the kids on the east end that want more out of life than the alarming statistics that we all know, such as murder and incarceration. When I walk into Armstrong's building each morning, I am greeted by numerous of students who look forward to seeing me. It seems to give them a sense of hope. I grew up in the East End and I have witnessed a lot of senseless crimes that my students battle daily. I am someone they can relate to, someone who is just like them and

078come from where they come from. someone who played four years high school sports and four years of collegiate sports with a college degree as well with no criminal background. I'm not only speaking for myself, but for my fellow colleagues of Armstrong family who received a transfer letter on the last day of the school year. Not only was this unfair to us, but to the students and parents who also did not receive a fair warning. We look out for our students in our building and go the extra mile with ensuring that our kids are safe, clothed, and fed outside of school. I feel that if we were to be transferred, the entire East End would take a major loss because we serve as anchors in that community. We Armstrong High School for all the I'm sorry,

079we are heavily invested. There are no other place or school that I want to give back more than Armstrong High School that I have previously mentioned. Armstrong is not just a place of employment for me, but it is my home. A place where I excel academically as well as in athletics. Being named to the Richmond Time Dispatch First Team Mall, as well as being named to Richmond public school student athlete of the year in 2014. I came back to give back and show the kids that there is hope. Thank you, Tama Quinn. and then Nia Singleton. Good evening. Good evening. Greetings. My name is Tamika Quinn and I'm the instructional compliance coordinator at Armstrong High School. I lost two special education teachers early in the school year due to leveling and now you're taking eight

080more. This decision threatens the very core of what we've built at Armstrong High School and will have devastating consequences for our students, especially those living in housing projects who depend on consistency, stability in their learning environments. You have dismantled my math department, which is ranked number one out of five comprehensive high schools in Richmond public schools. These results were earned through relentless hard work, deep relationships, and shared commitment to academic excellence that progress cannot be sustained while restricting the building of its critical special education staff. Each case manager at Armstrong works closely and diligently with students and families of their case loads. They are not just completing paperwork. They are building trust, supporting goals, managing transitions, and holding students accountable for success. This level of support cannot be replicated by simply reassigning staff. We adopted

081the Armstrong way model with the intention of lowering case loads so case managers could provide stronger instructional support alongside general education teachers. Even amid staffing instability, we've maintained 100% compliance rate for the last two years. As special education students are not just meeting benchmarks, many are achieving so pass advanced scores of 500 and above. Have you asked yourselves where are the true needs in this district? What does post-secary transition look like for our students after high school? High school is a pivotal time in a young person's life. And every time you access where support is most critical, the answer is the same. Armstrong High School, the school that serves the highest concentration of public housing in Richmond, Virginia. As students need stability, they need the teachers they built relationships with the same teachers you are

082preparing to pro to move. Please do not remove the special education teachers from Armstrong High School. These accomplishments are not accidental far as we were the first high school to launch the honors college. Thank you. That is time. Thank you. Thank you. Nia Singleton, are you present? Okay, she's on her way in. Thank you so much. Um, I'll just go back over the list of names that um, I called but they did not come present come forward one last time. Mie Taylor, Cynthia Cole, Kina Hickman, Tarnishia Archer. Okay, good evening everyone. My name is Tasha Archer, also known as nurse Archer at OverB Shepard Elementary School elementary school as KH caregiver. I was here May 6, 2025 about the abuse and neglect I witness witnessed in Miss Cwley's classroom room 125, the exceptional education teacher.

083It was told to me by a staff member at OV Shepard that Miss Cwley was escorted off school property by city police officials April 25th, 2025. By April 30th, she was back in the classroom teaching. If you consider what she is doing teaching, what kind of investigation takes two to three days while they investigate while my investigation took 14 days to get a response, which I already knew they were not going to let me back come back and my investigation was was not on the abuse and neglect of non-verbal children. No one didn't reach out for me, reach out to me until May 14th, 2025 when Sandra Lee from Department of Labor Relations sent me an email informing me that John Parks, who is also from the same department, will be reaching out to me

084later that day, which he did, which was which what was the point of Mr. Parks reaching out to get my statement or side of my story when Miss Cwley was clearly already back at work? Why were the parents not notified when Miss Cwley was under investigation concerning the abuse and neglect of the children? Miss Singleton, KH mother, was notified when I was escorted off school property on April 16th, 2025 and was also also told it was nothing to do with her daughter, which determined that was a lie because I'm with KH every day except for my 30-minute break or taking a restroom break to go to the bathroom. RPS. Why? So why don't school officials give the parents the same opportunity they gave Miss Singleton when I was escorted off the property and and investigated?

085You allow You continue to lie, cover up, and protect a teacher who abuse and neglect a special needs child rather than protect the children. Isn't their safety and education more important? The students of RPS school system is the reason y'all even have a job. Y'all say y'all y'all take every allegation. No, I've been in the hospital for 18 days, seriously. But I'll be back next month. God bless y'all. Thank you so much. We'd like to hear from you next month as well. Thank you. Just want to check if Nia Singleton is present. Good evening. Hi. So, I have a second grader that attends Overbe Shepard Elementary School and she is in the special education classroom due to cereal pausy and she's in a wheelchair. She is nonverbal as well. So, I've had a few issues

086this school year because uh one I requested for daily reports to know what my child is doing and learning in the classroom and it actually uh that's actually stated in the IEP. It actually took a month and about three meetings with the teacher and administrator for me to actually start getting the daily reports. Also, um we had another issue where an IIA made an inappropriate comment regarding my daughter and they stated that they will start an investigation. The IIA wasn't out due to the investigation. She was out due to personal reasons. And I never got an actual um I never actually got an result to the investigation. I emailed uh Mr. Emmanuel Wright for a result to have it documented and he never emailed me back and I emailed him about at least a month

087ago. Also, uh, my daughter had got a new nurse and the nurse informed me on the first Monday of May when they went to school, my daughter was sent home with all of her books for the school year stating that the classroom had already been cleaned up. My daughter doesn't take so test. So, I'm not understanding why the beginning of May she's not learning anything. The classroom is cleaned up. The special education classroom goes to the gym while the other students are taking SOS and they're in the gym completely not doing anything. My do my daughter doesn't run around or do anything. So all of the other kids are running around and my daughter's sitting in a wheelchair not stimulating her mind. No iPad, nothing is being taught. So the nurse has to do the

088teacher job and walk my daughter around the school, take her out of her wheelchair and put her in a bean bag or do anything to stimulate her language. I feel that the nurse shouldn't be doing any of the teacher roles. The teacher uh so I stopped my daughter from going to school. Thank you for your time. At this point, we will transition from out of public information into our budget discussion. What is your name? If there's no record of the request being submitted, could you provide proof that it was submitted to her? Okay. Unfortunately, to be fair with every for everyone else that has said we won't be able to address you at this time, if you could work with um our clerk to ensure that you're on the list for our up and coming

089in session on next month. Sorry about any confusion. At this time, we'll transition to um 5.01 01 adopt the 2026 operating and CIP budgets. Thank you, Madam Chair. Earlier today, I shared with you via email and uploaded to Board Docs the revised budget documents both the presentation and the full budget book reflecting the board's decision last night to retain the junior auditor position. So that position is included in the budget for next year. To make up for that cost, we have proposed to cut the $100,000 for the contract with Terry Becker and we have rightsized the amount dedicated for a new FOYA platform uh based on the chair's updated estimates. Based on those uh two reductions, we have been able to balance the budget and I humbly ask for your approval. Dr. Harris Muhammed, just

090have one question. Um for the motion is made. Mr. Cameress, is there any way that we can Well, let me ask it this way. Was the library staff notified that they were going to be cut in half? And then can you share with us is it materials, supplies, PD, or is it staff? Because I assume that it was materials. I didn't think it was personnel. It's not personnel. It's just uh books, the supply line uh for books for libraries. But uh as the library services folks know, I am a huge fan of libraries and our literacy efforts. My commitment uh to the board is to try my very best to find an alternative mechanism uh to make up for that funding and uh provide those resources to our students. Okay. Thank you. I can make

091the motion there are any other questions? Are there any other questions at this time? Mr. personal. You can make the motion. Madam Chair, I move to adopt the Richmond Public Schools fiscal year 2006 budget, including $429,63,243 for the general fund budget, $94,529,55 for the special revenue budget, and $2,500,000 for the capital improvement plan. Second. It's been moved by Mr. Perl and seconded by Mr. Mr. Heschpath, Madame Clerk. Mr. Pival, yes. Miss Ricard, yes. Mr. Farooq, yes. Mr. Hedgeh, yes. Mr. Rizzy, yes. Dr. Harris Muhammed, yes. Miss Burke, yes. Mr. Jafari, yes. Miss Fernandez, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you very much. And just thank you administration and colleagues. Um, made some difficult decisions, but we did it collaboratively. Um and we'll continue to find money and um but just thank you for everyone's efforts.

092Thank you. Next up we have external reports 6.01 receive an update from superintendent student advisory council regarding school meals. Excited to hear about this one. Point of clarity. Mr. First of all, did you say 2026 or 2006 in the in the motion? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. Hello. Hello. Hello. Our school board chair, school board members, superintendent cameras. I am so excited to be here again uh to meet with you all with the student advisory council. These lovely students have worked hard this year on our school meals project. So we are ultra excited to be here. So thank you for allowing us to share today. I am here with Kobe. I have Avon. I have Chloe and I have Terrell. And I want to also note that each of these students

093are seniors. They did graduate. So, just want to shout them out for their recent graduation. Kobe is going to the Marines. Davon going to Howard. Chloe and Terrell are both going to North Carolina. Ah, not not tonight. Maybe VSSU. Maybe VSU. Um, all right. So, cool. So, I have the esteemed pleasure of uh facilitating this group for superintendent cameras. Um, our whole thing throughout the school year is to promote advocacy. Uh, we want our students to understand how to advocate for themselves. Uh, we think it's truly valuable. We do things like go to the general assembly. We have folks come in to talk to them about advocacy. But this year we actually had this wonderful project to work on. So this was really really fun this year uh for us to do. So excited to

094share with you all today. Um this is just a list of our participants for student advisory council. Just so you know, we do include all of our comprehensive high schools uh in this effort. And so it's really cool. We typically ask for about five students per school to uh participate. So, it's really cool opportunity that we have and I love watching them mix in when they're in the room. I'm very adamant. They know that they like to sit in their groups when they get there and I'm like, got to talk and mix it up a little bit. So, I just love watching them uh work together. So, without further ado, you didn't come here to hear me talk at all. So, I'm gonna turn this over to Davian. Okay. So, the overview for our school

095meals project that we had this year um for the 2024 2025 school year, the SACE members, we wanted to go um over our plan with the Dreams for RPS strategic plan um action 3.4 to help develop better school lunches for our students. And we're very passionate about this being that school lunches or even breakfast in general um affects our well-being within school affects our everyday life being that we do eat breakfast and lunch every day. So having um imp uh having feedback and getting that student impact was very crucial within our plans for this year. So before we did our awesome taste test takeover, we decided that the SAC SACE members should come together and figure out different ways to get feedback from other students, talk with our peers, and also talk with Miss Ibram,

096the director of um school nutrition services to learn more about the requirements and what we needed to know federally about how to take our next steps and actions regarding um how we wanted to add to our school lunches. And within our survey that we helped create, over 2700 students from grades 6 through 12 participated. 2,700. That's a great number. So for our RPA survey, that is a very great turnout. And I am very thankful that me and the other students here today were able to be a part of this amazing experience. I'll turn it over to Terrell here. Okay. Here. You still here? I have a lot. Uh so basically when we were designing the survey we wanted to make sure we got as many responses as possible and so we wanted to make the

097survey as easy as possible to answer. So we decided to do a one through five star rating sort of like you know yo like how you do a little food review online. And so when we wanted to do this we wanted to make it easy short questions get the point across so we can get as many responses as possible. And that's why we got thousands of responses because we structured it that way. We wanted to get the appearance, the taste, the quality, everything like that over with uh all the responses. And we got amazing turnout. We got a lot of good feedback which led us to picking the foods we picked for the uh the taste test table. We wanted to make sure every student felt included and we wanted to make sure students with

098certain dietary restrictions, whether that be a personal choice or religious, we wanted to make sure everyone's and their dietary restrictions were seen. So, we made another part of the survey for people with dietary restrictions to see what foods we could have for them as other options. We also wanted to see how our peers felt about culture variety in the school lunches. And a lot of a lot of my peers also agreed that we should have more culture as we showcase during lunches, breakfastes. Yeah. Uh, next thing we wanted to do was make sure we highlighted our serving staff for the amazing work that that they did. We got an amazing everyone believe that they did amazing. Got a lot of help from our service staff because they put a lot of work into making sure

099that we every day. So, thank you to them. And then we wanted to leave a broader a broader um section of the survey for open responses. We got a lot of different feedback from it because we wanted honest feedback about how they felt and you know our RPS children they love to speak their minds and so we got a lot of good feedback about what they liked what they didn't like what they wanted to be added what they wish wasn't there and that really helped us choose the food we chose for the food testing of it and it was just an amazing project that we put a lot of time and effort in. I've been a part of the council for three years and this is the first time we've done something to this degree

100of being so hands-on and getting immediate feedback and so I definitely want you guys to not lose the momentum and keep going and keep on doing stuff like this. Hi. So, in April, we had um went to the Hilton Richmond downtown where we had over 25 vendors um who came and gave sample size portions of food that may be on the upcoming menu for RPS. We had um we had QR codes and um tables that had iPads where we could scan the QR codes and give immediate feedback on how we felt in the food. We had over a thousand responses and it was an amazing experience. The food was great and yeah, sorry, Chloe, who was in that picture we just saw. As you guys can see, these are some of the sample dishes that

101we were able to try. The Korean chicken was really good, but the the spicy I don't I can't see. It says table number seven. That was really spicy, guys. That was really spicy. Um these were some of the participant vendors, participating vendors that were there to sponsor our event. Um Nepon Chicken, Affinity Group. Yeah. Um we also had news coverage from CV CV CBS6 News, local news. Richmond public schools asked for student input on new food options for school lunches. You guys could check out the video for that. And these were the top five dishes. As you guys could tell, Korean chicken really killed it. Like a lot of people really liked it. And I personally said I really like it too. And um some of the takeaways that we had from the event is

102our voices and advocacy matter. When students are actively engaged in advocacy, we can impact positive changes in RPS and community. School meals that students enjoy can improve student health, engagement, and overall academic performance. Research support that fact that students who are wellnourished tend to have higher school attendant rates, fewer behavioral problems, and increased classroom engagement. And though we are graduated seniors already, um, for the top for the upcoming 2025 2026 school year, we would love to see those top 10 menu items we just saw be added to our menu. You know, that Korean chicken, they really love that. So, we want to see that. Um, we also want to see more fresh fruit and salad options, more options that help reflect our diverse cultures of students within the schools. Um, more hot options for breakfast.

103focus on the appearance of food too. You know, kids will want to eat food that looks really good. So, u make sure that we highlight the appearance. Expand the taste test to elementary students as well being that they do um have a high number of participation within um evening school lunch. You know, that's what we first start off with. So, having their input would be beneficial as well. And also continue to offer opportunities for student feedback. You know, our voices do matter. So advocacy is very important whether it's um school lunch or any other topics that we see importance in. And yes, that concludes our presentation. If you have any questions, we would love to answer them. Before Mr. Before we begin, colleagues, Mr. Cameron would like to share. I just wanted to thank Darl

104and Tamika. Tamika, can you stand up because she is also instrumental to the student advisory uh council. I want to thank our four student presenters and all of their colleagues who participated all year long. As you can see, they are brilliant and creative and thoughtful um and have done a fabulous job presenting this evening. I I will share with you earlier today um leadership team and I were doing an an interview and somebody asked in the interview what is RPS's superpower and I knew immediately what my answer was. It's our students. They are truly extraordinary. And I think what we see today is when we actually trust them, invest in them, support them, and listen to them, we can change the world. Even if it's one Korean chicken menu item at a time. And so

105I think what you all have done this year is just absolutely fabulous and I think a wonderful template for what the next year's SACE can do. and whatever their focus topic is, we're excited to have them dig in and make those fantastic changes. So again, thank you. Well done. We're very proud of you. Thank you. If not, right before I have to say this, just to reiterate, they're all seniors and they're here tonight. They just graduated. They don't have to be here. So, I'm just ultra I'm very grateful. I've told them this over and over. I'm just very grateful that they they were willing. Dav hit hit me up on my phone today said, "Hey, we still doing this today or what?" Absolutely. We are doing it and I need you here. So, I'm just

106really proud of them. And yes, big shout out. Cannot do any of this without her at all. Big shout out to Danielle, uh, Dr. Green Bell for supporting us. And of course, um, Chief Parks, and, uh, Shannon Ebron, our director of, uh, school nutrition services, and her entire team. couldn't do any of this stuff without it. It was wonderful to see this thing come together. So, we are really grateful. So, questions before we have questions, seeing as this this is you all's last time here as seniors when you've graduated would love for us to take one last picture with them and the team. We can do that after question and answer, but just take one more for the road. Okay. Colleagues, questions, comments? Dr. Harris Muhamd, Miss Burke, Miss Rizzy, Mr. Hedgepath. Thank you so

107much, young people, present scholars, for your presentation. I just want to take a moment of personal privilege just to say how proud I am of my god, daughter, DaVon, for just being so awesome and it's in the DNA. You get it from your auntie. Yes. Yes, girl. Yes. Um, I participated and went down the soul train line. I didn't realize it was not a soul train line until I turned it into a soul train line. Um, the food was delicious. So, thank you for me for helping me go through each line. Um, and then also being the awesome leaders that you are, I observed, and I just want to share this with you because you never know who's watching you in your service. You all were very very patient with your student colleagues who were

108there. Of course, we all knew the room was a little warm because we had, you know, the vendors in there, right? And so, you did everything with a smile. You did everything with grace and you were just so presentable. And so, that's that's what we expect, but you just rose to the occasion. So, I was very appreciative um you know getting me along and you know I was spending too much time at the pizza table or at another table at another table. Um you all did a phenomenal job. That was something that probably was needed for for our students and now you have the platform to do it wherever you want to go. um in terms of organization creating, working together, working collaboratively, being a voice for others who are the voiceless. And so I

109just appreciate all of the hard work that you're doing, even though none of you are going to NOFK State. That's okay. One minute. That's okay. But congratulations to all of you and I wish you much success. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Burke. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for this report this evening. I'm glad that Franklin Military Academy is here. I'm glad that Hugenot High School is here, and I'm glad that Richmond Community is here. I'm speechless. This is one of the best school board meetings ever because you are the main thing. You are the reason that I am here. I'm speak on behalf of my colleagues as well. Superintendent cameras, kudos to you for having the vision of having an advisory council in place and one that is actively engaged. So, moving forward,

110Terrell, I know you'll tell me afterwards. Moving forward, I would like to see this with the disciplinary piece. I know there's students on the um score committee, but to come in several areas because we get together as adults. I don't know what that chicken was like, co but I'm going to make sure I find it. Okay, but I can't I just hope that what you have suggested that we will find a way to make that happen. But you you're you're out here tonight looking the part. I'm sorry the news camera's gone. I'm sorry a lot of people in the audience are gone, but that's okay. Tell your story. Tell your story. So when I look at social media tonight, this is what I want to see because you make Richmond public schools look great as

111we continue to say that we are, but you are our spokespersons. Thank you. I do hope that when you move on to all the great places that you're going that you keep in touch with with uh Miss Tika and Mr. Daryl and Miss Miss Danielle and our superintendent and me and just at the end of the day tell us what you're doing and come back home because then you can speak to those students that will be on the committee the council to see to see and understand the full picture. So I just want to ask one question if I may. I want to know what each person's um major will be. and use use Kobe yet. I will I will be enlisting in the Marines. That's what I'll be doing in my future. And your

112speech was fabulous. Thank you so much. Your speech was fabulous. So proud of you, Devon. Did I say it right? Oh, Davon. DaVon. Davian. I'll be wait a minute. Go, girl. Oh, thank you. Yes. I'll be majoring in criminology. Oh, well, we need you. Okay, come on back to Richmond public schools in Richmond City. I will be majoring in architecture. Oh, we need to fill that position now. Terrell H. Uh, I'll be majoring in psychology, but after college, I'm becoming a firefighter. You know, I can see that. Thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you all so much. I can't wait to take a picture in that. Lots of love. Thank you, Madam Chair. Miss Rizzy, Mr. Hedgep, and then Mr. Jafari. Thank you, Madam Chair. You know, I think this is a wonderful

113example of centering student voices. It's something that I'd really love to see. I think we'd all love to see more of. Um, a lot of times we sit here and make decisions that deeply impact your lives and we don't hear a word from you. And so I think this is a great example of the power that you have and ability that you have to speak for yourselves and to represent your student community. There are several things I see here that you've done that I think will work well for you in any field you choose. Um, you conducted research, you synthesized those results, you interpreted those results, and then you reported those results and offered recommendations for improvement. That's basically the research process, and you did it extremely well. And so, you know, this just shows

114that our students are capable of um conducting real research and helping us with real decision making. and um I appreciate what you've done and I appreciate all the adults in your lives who gave you the latitude um to do this. Thank you, Mr. Hitchb. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh just want to reiterate what my colleague said that we are so proud of you all. Uh so thank you so much for what you've done and and and uh you all are living examples of the power of inquiry. Uh and you're bringing it to life and making it really fun and very public and so that's that's really awesome. Um I want maybe maybe one of you maybe all of you um could could share uh like what did you what did you really take from this?

115What are you hoping that others could take from this? Why would people want to be a part of something like this? uh mentorship is so important right because as you all are moving on we want other students to do the same uh that you have done and and and build upon your successes so any thoughts from any of you all it doesn't have to be just you know doesn't have to be all four okay um I would say for us it was definitely more about just the school lunch you know we've had more opportunity to advocate for different issues that we've seen within the school system or just within the city in general so I would say the u just like the time when we went down to the general assembly and had the opportunity

116to speak with different congress people and overall just share our opinions. You know, that's the overall goal as students with on this council is to be able to represent the superintendent and our ideas and be able to see um what different things we can see flourish whether it be us within school but being that we've graduated you know see what can come after us. So overall, just having that voice, having the opportunity to take time to focus on an issue that we see as the most important and take a a school year to work on it and see those that look up to us or be able to come to the events that we have and be like, "Yeah, I want to do this, too." That's our overall goal, just making sure that we keep

117that continuation of advocacy for all students of Richmond public schools. So that's what I've taken away. That's beautiful. Thank you. Uh what I learned from it was definitely more along the lines of I think we all learned this too though was more along the lines of hearing like everybody's stories from different schools. Like being on the council you get an opinion from everywhere and being able to handle those opinions and not just criticize them but being able to actually understand them and be able to disagree and still work together. That was definitely something I got able to like learn and seeing the different experiences even though we're all in RPS. Every school still differs with different meal problems. Some schools have this, some schools don't. And just seeing all of that come together and us

118being able to find a common goal and work towards it for the better of RPS is definitely something I took away. Yes, Mr. Jafari next and then we can circle back to you. Yeah, good evening. Just I want to thank you even standing there for that you bring with you. you really speak for Richmond public school sitting here look at it and I think I have been superintendroity in education than being able to bring those back that you have taught and have them lend to the improvement and betterment of the process and that's what you have done and I want to make sure that I saluted you and I saluted you the other day but I would also say hy got a marine up here all right so so I don't want to bel the

119point but just wanted you all to know that we really appreciate you and wherever you go and whatever you do you let them know that RPS Miss Burke just had one reflection and thank you Mr. Williams for sharing one minute. I'm glad to see the students are from different schools working together and one of you stated maybe more than one the opportunity to each school has its own culture. Each community has its own culture. So I value the opportunity for you all to be together from south of the James, north of the James, small school, huge school, one of the biggest. and you still together learn to work well. That's most important. If one last question, you had over 2,700 person to persons to participate in this. What's the magic? If we could get that

120amount and then some for surveys that we do. I mean that's so what is it? But what did you do? Tell us the secret. Come to the mic. Tell us. All the schools did their part. Uh but in the survey, most of the responses got back from Hugenach because you know we had to go through and make sure all of our friends were doing the surveys getting everything. But it's more so when you're a student and you create it, it's like we like we form sentences a certain way that makes it more like oh like more like and then also it being like on the one to five star rating scale made it a lot easier and kind of fun because it was like I'm I'm actually rating them. like having these open-ended questions made

121it more just more engageable because if you have a long survey like y'all like to do a lot uh and it's like so many questions and there's and all the questions it's like ABC each question is a sentence long each sentence has answers a sentence long too it gets tiring and then we just start clicking but when you get that little just five little one two three four five boom we can get it done quickly and so I think that's where we got a lot of our a lot of our Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But I think that's why we got so much engagement from it. Thank you so much. And and and the Chromebooks where it just popped up on the Chromebooks like really easily and we like it was like kind of annoying like

122every time we open the Chromebooks it was there even if we did the survey and so it was like okay I'll do it maybe it'll go away. It didn't go away but we did it and so I think that's what happens. Love that. Thank you all so much. When you want to share something? Yep. because I don't want to forget her. Kylie Flickinger, our um new event coordinator. She's not here, but she is awesome and I promise we couldn't have done it without her. She worked hard to make sure we had a venue. So, I just wanted to give her her flowers. Thank you. And thank you all for just being here. And um it's we're so um proud to just see uh how far you all have come just not just as a team

123but individually to see that you all are moving forward with your education. Um those that are serving, thank you for your service and we pray um protection over you as you endeavor in that journey. Um but also just keep going. sky's is the limit and um I have no doubt that you'll be our biggest cheerleaders uh and and tell folks about us and then when you're done with your education, come on back and see us. Don't forget about us. That's right. You know, um we have mentorship opportunities, different ways that you can still serve RPS. Uh, but whatever it is that you do, um, thank you so much for your commitment and thank you for being here and starting your summer a little bit late to be with us on tonight. We really appreciate you.

124And now let's take a picture. We're going to continue out of respect of everyone's time. We're moving on to board action items. Item 7.01 receive for action Head Start report. Good evening, school board chair, vice chair, school board members, superintendent cameras. I am here once again to present our Head Start report. Um we have the monthly documents that um are there for your review and approval. Um we also have a quality improvement plan that is also there. Um that is part of what we also need to have approved for this month. That's it. That's it. Dr. Harris Muhammad, would you like to share? She gave a very brief summary. Just a brief summary. Um before we open it up, would you like to share as the policy council leazison? So whatever she said. No, I

125just discussed that we have the documents for approval, our regular documents and we have the quality improvement plan also um for approval um for that we need to send to the office of pet. There is also some other documentation that we will have on next. Yes. And I will take the opportunity to share that I I shared with the policy council that I recommended that they begin to record their meetings because schoolboard members are not always able to attend and we would like to keep up with what's happening with the policy council and what's um coming down the pipe instead of when it has come down the pipe. So I've made that recommendation a couple of times. I think Dr. Wiggins can attest to that. also um I reiterated or um just shared with them

126in a graceful and friendly manner of course was about joint meeting having a dinner together um just some type of camaraderie collaborative work because the work that they do is a lot it's they have to oversee a lot of money for several different programs and I always want them to know that we support them um and that you know They want us to know that they support us as well, but sometimes, you know, they're single parents. Um they're not able to come to our meetings. They're they watch our meetings. But so I've made some recommendations to them that um we can continue in this partnership, having a governance training together, just different things like that. Maybe if when we have training s extend the invitation to them or maybe have another training board governance training

127and send the invitation to them. Yes. So that's that's my report and if I may add those are great recommendations and our meeting tomorrow. Yes, we are meeting tomorrow. Um, I think it would really be great if we could have a training where the governance team, which is the school board and policy council are together for that training to really discuss each other's roles and how that works together. Um, our board changes every year. So, just as we get up, it's time to start all over again. So, um, I echo those sentiments if we could find time over the next few months. Dr. Could you share what time the meeting is tomorrow? Yes. I didn't bring my phone up with you, but yes. Is there a virtual link that could be shared? Yes. Uh, please

128share that with the chair and myself. And and I will forward an email to let them know that. Fantastic. Yep. Thank you so much. Absolutely. Could um we also include um vice chair as well? Yes. So, I was going to email it to the three of you. I don't know if that's considered some there has to be some type of notice since it will be three of us. A public advisory, but you all as a collective cannot. We'll talk about Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? Miss Rizzie? Yeah. I just wondered if we could either get like a list of the meeting times and dates or if they could be added to our calendars in some kind of way um so that we are aware you know I have time to plan want to attend.

129Absolutely. I absolutely will. We are past our dates now. We just have a lot of documentation and a lot of things to review. So our so our times are coming fast. We just found out today about the meeting tomorrow. Um so um forgive me for not um sharing that as possible. Yes, absolutely. Um that will be Mr. Jafabari. Good evening. Six slots. Both of them have been filled on Fairfax. 45 of the 48. Uh if you could looking at that 27 48 slots filled at the other center, but what what impacted that? Uh we do do we anticipate being able to fill those slots or that is um our greatest um focus right now. Um because um the office of head start if we are underenrolled which we are at this point and this is

130something that's not discussed in the current documents because that is for the documents for next month as everything comes really fast in Head Start is because we are underenrolled at this point. The Office of Head Start has removed $1.1 million from our grant and we are in the course now of wanting um we have 30 days to appeal and so that is why we are still having meetings because everything is coming fast at us and um one of the things we'll be discussing tomorrow is the appeal. um we were sent back our application because we have new numbers and so we have to um um our whole refunding application that you approved we now have to go back in and put the new numbers and the new budget in there. So there is a lot

131happening in um Head Start right now um that um having the school board as a part of the process will be very helpful as we um move forward to make sure that we have both bodies able to work together for um the grant. So, talking about enrollment, um the Office of Head Start requires that not only are we fully enrolled with every seat, child in every seat, but we're 97% on attendance daily and that we also ensure that we have a weight list so that when a child leaves, another child is put right back in the slot to keep your 97%. um that it's a lot because you know at the beginning of the year sometimes if um parents do not get a seat they of course will be looking for child care somewhere else

132and not necessarily just waiting. So we constantly have to to be cultivating our connections so we are getting um in those seats. So I know I didn't completely answer your question but that is what we're doing now really working on our enrollment. We have a hard deadline of by July 1st. We want every seat filled um that we have been allotted so far. Um as you remember there was a 200 slot reduction when office of head start came back they reduced us 101 not 200. So, that is another thing that we're meeting about because now we have to decide, are we still going to do the 200? If we're going to do the 101 that they allotted us, we still need to make sure we're fully um that we are fully enrolled. We have to

133um also look at the budget because um there is a lot of new things that we've talked about before that requirements that office of head start um has in the budget that just eats up the budget and so um we are doing a lot of work in the background trying to figure out um next steps. Follow. Yes. Uh thank you. Thank you. Uh, I think you did a good job. I think you explained it to all of us. Thanks for that. Uh, start tutorial. Miss Ricard, thank you, Madam Chair. I was going to ask about the under enrollment. Um, so just to clarify one more time, we had proposed reducing by 200 and Head Start said no, it's actually just going to be 101. They did. So even though we put that in our refunding

134application of the 200, another part of the Head Start Department sent us a letter that says because you're underenrolled, we're going to take $1.1 million and reduce your scope. What we're intending to do is, and that's one of the things we're going to talk about tomorrow, is look at how we can because we have 30 days to try to see if we can get that $1.1 million back. Um, and then we could go back to asking for our scope, but we still have to turn into refunding application with their amount. And then if they allow us to reduce then we have to go back and redo it again. Sorry just a quick. So the under enrollment is that based on their 101 or the 200? It's based on 101 there. That's their number. Mr. Pible,

135Miss RZY. Thank you manager. Uh quick question Dr. Wiggins. Thank you. Um in this document it says the attendance was 80 87.6 but the benchmark is 85. What is meant by the benchmark? Clearly we need to be at 97. Yes. The office of head start says 97% daily that you have to be 85% was the benchmark that have been trying to achieve and get back to since co. So we have been working and getting further enrolled but we have not been fully enrolled since co um and there are many reasons which which we've talked about. One of the um things that we did not have at our child care partners that we've discussed before was transportation. Now this upcoming year we will have transportation thanks to you all the school division because it's a inind

136we don't have the money to pay for out of the grant but it's it will be another inind and there are several that the school division provides for the head start department. Followup question Madam Chair um those 101 seat cuts uh are they going to align with the 200 seat cuts as far as where it's coming from partners etc. So they do not tell us where okay they just say 101 slots and then we decide um from there. So now that is what the policy council is kind of struggling with at this point. Do we do the 200? like where the 101 like it's so much of it that um and these are big decisions which is why I could you know we all need to really be in on these decisions right now because

137they mean a lot to our children and our families and it's a lot on their backs to to have to decide all of this and the welfare and of the the children and the families and what steps are next Sorry, one last. Sorry, one last followup. Um, as far as the appeal for the 1.1 million, are we also appealing the 200 to 101 or is that a done deal? So, we are going to appeal the $1.1 million. That's what we want to appeal separately. The refunding application um is is a separate entity and the change of scope. So, we want the money back and we still want to have a change of scope. Um, what the policy council you all will have to decide are we still at 101 in the middle. So, we're kind

138of back to that discussion again. Um, and that's what they are wrestling with and that's why we are um trying to figure it out. But we have to send the refunding application quickly, which is why they're meeting tomorrow to discuss that. What would we put in the appeal? What does that need to look like? We've drafted it. Um, and so I'm still giving feedback back and forth to make it as um as um strong as possible. Thank you so much, Miss Rizzie. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Wiggins, do you need a motion today to accept and approve the report? Yes. Um, so I'll make that, but I I I will say that this is never ending. And I really want to thank you for, you know, your persistence in all of this because it has

139been a ride. Thank you. Okay. So, um, I move that we accept the Head Start reports. as uh presented. Be second. It's been moved by Miss Rizzy and seconded by Miss Burke. Madame Clerk, Mr. Perl, yes. Mr. Ricard, yes. Mr. Farooq, yes. Mr. Hedge, yes. Miss Rizzy, yes. Dr. Harris Muhammed, Miss Berg, yes. Mr. Jabari, yes. Miss Fernandez, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Next up um is item 7.02 receive for action uh July 2025 board meeting date. Um as you recall yesterday evening we had discussion surrounding whether we would u maintain um the position of having two meetings or if we could explore the option of having one. Um we challenged everyone to just think about it overnight after everyone has weighed in and um are there is there any further discussion before we actually

140chair or vote? Yes, Mr. Jafari. Thank you. Uh Madam Chair, I would just like to say if there's going to be one I won't be here the first part of it. if there's going to be one. You're going into people's summer vacation, Mr. Jafari. I'm only one of nine, but I will tell you that typically the deeper we get into the summer folks tend to have more plans. But yeah, I kind of understand it. I just loved it so much. I don't I know I don't want to miss any, you know, so you could always uh participate virtually. Uhhuh. We we could do really late July, also known as August. Here it goes. So, um let's just do a pulse check and then we can do a vote. Um, if everyone could just go around

141and share their position, would they prefer one day a a condensed schoolboard meeting or prefer to remain with two? This regard, just sorry to confirm that this is a new practice that July was typically off. That's correct. No, ma'am. We have always had one July meeting. Oh, thought they said that. I'm sorry. I thought I Did somebody clarify because I thought last night it was shared that we typically do not have a July meeting. No, that that was communicated, but we always have one meeting in July. I took a second look this morning to confirm. So, since I've been here, we've had one meeting each July. I believe there's a little bit of confusion with what city council might do during the summer, but we do have um one July meeting at least back to

1422019. I was able to see this one. Thank you, Mr. Cameras. It is not always well attended. Uh heard and understood. Thank you. Okay. Um I um ultimately will defer to the will of the board. I'm looking at our list of meeting topics. School is starting earlier, more and more. Um, so I would support two meeting dates and just sticking with the cadence that we've adopted. Um, but if my colleagues would prefer one, I will not stand in the way of that. Thank you, Mr. Farooq. I echo Miss Ricard. Thank you, Mr. Hedgepath. Me as well. I echo Miss Ricard. Mr. Pival. Uh, I will only be attending one in July regardless. on Monday. So I would vote for one, but it's biased. Fair. Miss Rizzy, I too will only attend one. So my preference

143is one. Thank you, Miss Burke. Technically, I'm flexible. If I'm here, I'll be here. I can't make any promises. sincerely but I'll go along with the will of the board as long as we have five members here and thank you superintendent cameras for and I remember that because we were meeting in schools at some point not in n not in 2019 but after that so I'm flexible however it unfolds hopefully we'll have five people madam chair colleagues I think I'm already on the That's a one. But again, I I will defer if you want to have to. And my position is um we do have a lot on the agenda. Um as we were sharing last night, I think it might have been Dr. Harris Mama who called out that we do have 200 day

144schools um to consider. And so I honestly could go either way. I think we could get accomplished in one, but I'm I'm certainly open to to serve for two. So, with that, is there a motion? We can just miss B. I move that we have a meeting in Jul two meetings July 2025. Before I go through, that's not the Fourth of July week, is it? I'm sorry for it's the day it's the week after the 4th of July. It's the seventh and the eth. Seventh and the eth. So July 4th I believe is that Friday and so that will be coming off the heels of a holiday weekend. And we don't meet do we usually don't meet when it's on a 4th of July is what on a Monday sun Friday. I just said that

145the week prior. And one point of clarity, we will only require a motion if we are not going to have the meeting in July. So if we're just maintaining, right? So you saying you do or you don't want a motion? A motion for two meetings. I'm sorry, something else. We don't need a motion. So you don't need Mr. Cameron. Yeah. Yes. The board has already adopted a calendar which includes two meetings in July. If you're going to proceed with two meetings, you don't have to do anything. If you would like to go to one, somebody needs to make a motion to go to one. Thank you for making that clear, Mr. Pible. Let's get it over with. I will move that we have one meeting on July 7th in the month of July. Do I

146have a second? It's been moved by Mr. Percal and seconded by Mr. Jafar. Madame Clerk. Mr. Perl. Yes. Mr. Ricard. Nay. Mr. Farooq. Yes. Mr. Hedgepath. No. Miss Rizzy. Yes. Dr. Harris Muhammed. Miss. Burke. No. Mr. Jabari. Yes. Miss. Fernandez. Why is everyone staring at me? Yes, we'll have motion passes. All right, moving right along to 7.03. Receive Richmond Ed Fund board member nominations. Sorry. Hello everyone. Um, I'll be really brief tonight. Uh, just for the new board members, want to give you a little context on our process. So, according to our bylaws, um, the board at the Richmond Ed Fund approves board members first and then they come to you all for confirmation. Um, so the four individuals that we are bringing as a slate tonight were unanimously approved uh at our almost said

147July meeting at our May board meeting. Um, happy to answer any questions that you all may have about any of them. But under our current bylaws, which we are in the process of amending, we can have up to 15 board members. We currently have 11. Um, and we can have up to 50 advisory board members. Really excited about these individuals. We have a former education attorney, a former superintendent, um, a business leader, and current delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates. So, my request is that you all will please uh, approve these board members tonight. And then I have one other thing I want to talk about really briefly. Miss Burk and then Mr. Ricard. I move that we first of all as a point of discussion. I'm very pleased and I'm glad to see

148delegate McQuinn on this having been on the school board, having been on city council and now serving at that level and she has been a great supporter of RPS. the others. I think it's one other person I know of, but I'm glad to see it's it's a great to add on to what you already have. It's going to be a great mix. Therefore, I move that we accept the listing of persons to fill the education funds um board effective 2020 July 1. July 1, 2025. Second. Madame Clerk, it's been moved to adopt the roster of the ED fund board starting July 1. It's been moved by Miss Burke and seconded by Mr. Ricard. Mr. Pible, yes. Mr. Card, yes. Mr. Farooq, yes. Mr. Hedgepath, yes. Miss Rizzy, yes. Dr. Harris Muhammed, yes. Miss Burke, yes.

149Mr. Jafari, yes. Miss Fernandez. Motion passes. Thank you all. Uh this next topic, I don't I don't anticipate that you all will take any action on this tonight, but I really just kind of want to gauge your interest. Um so over the past several months, we've talked a lot about budget and we are trying to be as creative as possible. Um and there are a few people who have reached out about potential sponsorships and naming rights. I just want to gauge your interest in that. Of course, I won't ever take action without bringing it to you all first. Definitely be a partnership, but just want to really see if you have any appetite for that, Mr. Jafari. Miss B. Okay. When we when we talk about naming rights, can you kind of be specific? Uh

150give me a couple of instances and applications. Sure. So, um, let's just say we heard about the track at Armstrong yesterday. Let's say that Tae Cooper donates $5 million to to build a new track at Armstrong High School. The track it'll be the Taen Cooper track at Armstrong High School. Okay. And I get it. I understand. Uh but prior to that, is it an automatic process or would it still come before the board for consideration of a individual's biography? Uh my what I anticipate is that people will bring these ideas to us as we go out and try to um receive investments for different things. But I will always bring it back to you all because I don't have the authority to grant that. Thank you, sir. Miss B. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank

151you, Mr. Cooper. $5 million. I'll walk you to the bank to get it. Okay, that's just what we need. I'm very, very, very, very concerned about many of our schools in the east and I'm sure others as well, but Armstrong's um we talked about this yesterday, track, whatever else. So, there we are working together. We'll come back together in terms of a robust plan to get the funds. From what I understood, for instance, there's one person that may want to put their church's name in the middle of the field, and I was told it couldn't do that, but we could. I don't know. That's why I want to know, maybe Stacy can clarify, but it was stated that um we could have sponsored by Teen Cooper Group or whatever something pointed. So I would like

152to know the difference between um how it is presented because we don't want to get caught with privatization. So that's what my concern is. So but but I am fully in favor. Do I have a taste for it? Already there. So um one of the projects for example is um the the playground at Chimberazzo. That's right. And there may be an opportunity for us to solidify a grant um from a like a national chain that really cares about healthy uh playing spaces for for young kids. And um but that will be an expectation that they will get some marketing change for for a certain amount of time. Mr. Chair, so my question is if if and I I'm with you on that. I don't have a problem with that. My question is if there is

153a sign on the field or the sign on the school, something beyond, let's say, on social media or whatever else, what is permissible? What is legal in a school setting, public school setting? That that's something that um I'd like to explore further. Okay. If you all say tonight that you have an appetite in hearing more about it. Well, yes, I do, Miss Rizzy. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, I mean, I'd have concerns about, you know, corporate influence and privatization. Um, and I think it could be a slippery slope if we aren't careful about setting up guard rails and parameters with it. Um, I mean, are we talking about eventually buildings? Um, you know, I mean, that's that's where, you know, I'd like to know where where we stop with this, right? Where what is the

154line, you know, what is permissible. Um, I certainly, you know, don't want to give the impression that we are in some way privatizing our our um our funding. So, I mean, I think that's a real legitimate concern some of our constituents would have. And so, you know, certainly I would not stop you from exploring it, but I would really like to know what the parameters will be. Mr. Cameron, thank you, M. to Miss M's point, policy 4-2.6 commercial, promotional, and corporate sponsorships and partnerships is our existing policy governing uh this matter. And so perhaps a good next step is for us to take some time to review that, make sure it reflects our current beliefs, but it does permit such activities with a rather lengthly set of requirements to protect the school system. But perhaps

155that's something that the policy committee, Dr. Harris Muhammad, could take a look at and review and put us in goodstead to to move forward with any sponsorships that Mr. Cooper is able to obtain. 4-2.6 and Miss Haney has more to add. Is your mic on? I'm sorry. And that is 6-2. Can you repeat that if the mic wasn't? Sorry. You also have policy titled naming school facilities and dedicating areas of school facilities or grounds and that is policy 6-2.9 those two things together. Thank you Mr. Hitch. Thank you Madam Chair. My points have been made uh by previous comments. I just wanted to tell you that I support the idea of exploring it. So thanks Mr. Dr. Harris Muhammad, I will email you if that's okay to schedule maybe 15 minutes. I had to take

156a call. I do apologize, but just to get a summary that if that's okay. Of course, you wouldn't say no in public, but you may text me know in a minute, but absolutely, Dr. Harris Muhammed. Thank you. Happy birthday. Thank you. Wait, wait, wait. I didn't say my So, you're going to drop the mic. You gonna walk away? What's happening? I'm not sure. I think that's what just happened. I'm not sure what's happening. I've requested several times the birthdays of all chief officers. I still haven't received those. Sorry, that's not what this is. Anyways, I digress. Um, I just want to share my thoughts. We could No, no, no, no, no. You know, I have a singing Chihuahua. That would have been really nice. We got Buddy to come and sing for you. But do

157we need a motion for this song? You have to go back to March first and sing for me. How could we have a resolution for this? I think we should sing. One, two, three. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear. Happy birthday to you. Now, can we sing the other one? Happy birthday. Let's see. This is your not like that, Mr. Cameras. Yeah, you have to get a little into it. Happy birthday. But we we appreciate your partnership. So, it's okay sometimes to take a moment to just celebrate you. So, just take it all in. Um but on a more professional note um I am very open to the idea of sponsorship opportunities. I think what we've seen um in the reconvening and and even in some of the different places

158that we've gone to this idea of of these types of partnerships have come up um with um in in some cases resounding results. And so I appreciate you being bold enough to ask and um I look forward to hearing more about what you can bring back to the board um that that perhaps could be viable because I think as we continue to move forward, we're going to have to start to think outside the box and ways of partnerships and different things in terms of receiving certain levels of funding and um donations. And so I really welcome the idea. So thank you, Mr. Jar. just to wrap up at least for my part. U certainly it's a sign of the times be able to enter into these private public partnerships but I echo my colleague Mr.

159I come in on the side of walking that fine line and I say here I don't really have a problem with any the corporation putting a plaque at the edge of the track or something like that but I come in on the other side of that not no big chicken butts in the middle field or anything thank you Yeah, I mean I I don't want this in any way to take away from the fact that the state and federal government has not been funding us appropriately. So I don't want to shift to doing this kind of thing and not keep the heat on them. Very well said, Miss Burke. Something that was stated this morning at the breakfast I attended, you never know who does the research on you. When I was at Shimarzo Elementary

160School, we had 300 partners. Yes, we did receive federal funds. Yes, we did receive city funds, state funds. However, much was not being done. And if anybody remembers that school from that era, it was a dump. Okay? And now it's one of the prettiest schools in the city of Richmond in the state of Virginia and beyond. And that was done through many big cooperations. 70,000 here, 100,000 here, plus taking folks away on a trip. All right? But certain things we had to do. So some companies because they're writing it off don't even ask. But it's it's online if you look me up one minute that we had 300 different partnerships. So I'm in it to win it. I'm tired of our schools looking the way they are. I know our folks are working hard and

161they deserve to be in a good environment that's not only clean but up to par. If it means getting out there and speaking, that's what we're going to do in the seventh district. So, whatever you can do to help us with that, I just want to make sure we're following the law, which hasn't changed since 1996 through 20204. Thank you. Thank you. Next up, 7.04, receive for approval, a resolution to transfer Abner Clay Park. I'll take that. Uh, Miss Haney shared the information last night. We just need a motion. We are fully supportive of this. Miss record. Thank you, Madam Chair. I motion to approve the resolution to transfer Abner Clay Park to the city of Richmond. Second. It's been moved by Miss Ricard and seconded by Miss Burke. Madame Clerk. Mr. Peral. Yes. Mr.

162Ricard. Yes, Mr. Farooq. Yes, Mr. Hedgeth. Yes, Miss Rizzy. Yes, Dr. Harris Muhammed. Yes, Miss Berg. Yes, Mr. Jabari. Yes, Miss Fernandez. Yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Now we are at our consent agenda. Do we have a motion? Dr. Harris Muhammad. I move that we accept the consent agenda as presented. Second. It was Miss Ricard. It's been moved by Dr. Harris Muhammed and seconded by Miss Ricard. Before we um do a vote, is there any op any subject of debate? Wonderful. Madame clerk, Mr. Perl. Yes. Mr. Ricard, yes. Mr. Farooq, yes. Mr. Hedgepath, yes. Mr. Rzzy, yes. Dr. Harris Muhammed, yes. Mr. Burke, yes. Mr. Jafari, yes. Mr. Fernandez, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Next up, we have 9.01, new business. Dr. Harris Muhammed. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Cameron's. Um, I just received the email

163about the staff allocations and I had not seen it. I had not I didn't even know I received the email. So, I would like to discuss that possibly schedule some time because I have always been advocating for the six district schools um being fully staffed. And so, I have some concerns. So, I look forward to meeting with you and Miss Chain to discuss that. Um, and I failed to mention earlier, um, Miss Fernandez, so I'm so sorry, but Miss Robinson wanted me to just share that she is hosting a six district educational awards banquet for the schools in the sixth district. Um, it's June the 20th. I've shared it with the administration and additional information is forthcoming. The principles in the sixth district are aware. Um, but I just wanted to let the board members

164know I will be out of town because I will be presenting um at a workshop. Also, um, Black Women Education Leaders is having our first national conference, which that's why I serve as executive director of that organization. So, I would not be here for 4 days um, celebrating with them and highlighting black women in and leadership. So, I look forward to working with Ellen Robinson and keeping the board a breast of how she will celebrate um Richmond public schools. Thank you, Miss Burke. Thank you, Madam Chair. This is not new business, but it goes back to the um allocations of of who's going to move where. And I am concerned as I stated earlier uh with the 11 total persons being moved from Armstrong High School. I don't understand the process. I'm not clear on

165the process. From what I'm understanding, teachers were given, as stated this evening, a letter on the last day of school of their having been having having to move. Um I'm I'm hearing and I want to know I'm hearing because I've been through leveling before and usually the administration but this is a new administration I understand that meets with the principal beforehand so you can go through your list or whatever. What I'm understanding was very little opportunity. Therefore this past Friday the last day of school principles principal at Armstrong and otherwise spent their day in mourning. Okay. Crying and very upset as we heard this evening from stellar teachers, highest math score, basketball coach, lives in the east end, the whole nine yards. So I know by law and policy that the superintendent has the right

166to move anybody any place on any day he so desires. But my concern number one is the process. The process. Now that's why I'd like to know. Yeah. But to and then also once Kraton Court is getting ready to reopen and the enrollment will be going up. They're moving in starting in July. If you haven't been on NM Road, take a journey. But I was told in speaking to persons of from the administration. Well, if the if the um enrollment goes up, we'll move the folk back. You have to move somebody. Fine. But to move 11 persons, two already and then many more. The morale is low and I understand we don't have the population of Armstrong as we did when I first got on the board. I understand that. But they also have the

167highest level of um highest number of special needs children. It's a lot going on there and they do an excellent job keeping things well and they are a family. So, I can I know you have to move someone, but to move that amount in one time, what's going to be the plan of action? Thank you. What's going to be the plan of action to give them better support? Then when I look at this email from um the last email that was sent on what May 29th, this the schools aren't listed. So, I see teacher secondary six vacancies, voluntary transfer is one, but total eight. So that does that mean that and where's Armstrong listed on this list? And I also would like a response to that because I'm also hearing from parents. I'm also and

168it's not on the agenda. It's not on the agenda. Yes, somebody talked to me about this earlier and I do have the right to ask. Absolutely. I do have the right to ask. So because you show it to me once doesn't mean that I'm done with it. We're talking about children. We're talking about people. I'm not a numbers person. I'm about the heart and what's doing what's right. Number one, the process. And number two, all of these new persons, all of these new persons, they've been trained where they are and want to stay. So to start the year off, do they have to redo their whole calendar, the whole master schedule? Thank you. Thank you, Madam Clair. Thank you. Before Mr. Cameron, she wants to um share a quick note. I want to inform the

169board that um which is why I stepped out to speak to um attorney Haney to have this as a topic of discussion during close this evening for um some of the names that were called out and we will certainly be sure to add it as a topic um for an upcoming um board meeting as well. But just wanted to inform you all that that I did proactively make sure that that took place. Mr. cameras. I was also just going to say I'm happy to um add it to an upcoming agenda. Um I do want the public to know if anybody is watching there was actually a rather extensive process um that involved our schools as well. Um and I'm happy to go through that in an upcoming presentation again um and walk through the rationale.

170Leveling is uh certainly a difficult process. Anytime folks need to be moved um is is very difficult. Uh as I shared last night, over twothirds of the moves we were able to accomplish through vacancies and volunteers. So what we're left with is the remainder that uh are actual individuals that that need to be uh moved to different locations. Uh but again uh certainly understand the difficulty of that. Um we are doing it at this point uh rather than waiting in the fall where it becomes exponentially more difficult when teachers uh have created bonds with new students um and we have to disrupt existing classes. Nonetheless, again happy to to talk through all of this with the board again in further detail. Thank you Miss Rizzie. Thank you, Madam Chair. I I actually just received um

171a message from a teacher who wants me to emphasize that this did occur districtwide. Um and so it's not just one or two schools. Dr. Harris Muhammed, I understand that it's levelwide and and it's I'm not rebuting what you're saying, Miss Renzy. I'm I'm not at all. I I understand I understand it's divisionwide, but as long as I've been on this school board, I have always advocated for the sixth district because we have a half of a person or we have part which is a part-time per. So, not to not to belver the point my heart is hurting. I I I did not receive a followup. um something as important as this, I would have thought I would have been valued enough to receive a phone call on behalf of my schools in the sixth

172district. So, right now, I don't feel valued and I don't even know how to help my schools. I'm at a loss. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say to my parents who I respect and respect me. There is not a moment where I have not been public about the sixth district not receiving the resources that other schools receive. And so processes are important to me as well. But what I am saying publicly is I do not feel valued as a representative for the sixth district who was not informed. Email, yes, but a f something to this magnitude. I needed to be respected enough and valued enough to say I'm following up. And that did not happen. This is not the first time I've I've

173been saying as as as graciously that I can because then I'm told I'm saying it wrong or I don't know how to say it or I'm a little rough here or I'm a little rough there. Well, I don't know what else to do other than keep fighting for my people and that's what I know to do and I'mma stand 10 toes down on that. I'mma do the best that I can sixth district for you. But right now, I'm I'm I'm feeling it's I'm it's a losing battle for me. So, but I believe in prayer. Thank you, Miss Regard. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I know this is on the schoolboard meeting topic sheet, but I've recently gotten some questions from constituents, so I just wanted to highlight it again about sex education and how it's

174taught in RPS. I would love a presentation about it. Do we need to update it? Um, is it being taught at all our schools? How is it being taught? I just think we do our students a disservice if we don't make sure they have that as part of their education. Thank you. Um, one of the topics um that I would like for us to discuss is a indepth look at the mental health services that we provide to teachers, principles, and staff. Um I've shared my concerns openly at the top of um the meeting and so I won't belabor the point but I do want to just the impact that has taken place over the continued loss and you know budget cuts resources being strained reallocations just want to make sure that we are um putting

175resources toward our teachers in the areas and so I would like to have an open discussion about that at a future board meeting and with Mr. Hedgepath. Thank you, Madam Chair. I think that with the ever evolving uh concerns or that that we're seeing from the or issues that we're seeing from the uh federal government, um it might be helpful for us to have um an update when it comes to uh what's at risk at fund for funding um and um you know especially you know what grants that we have applied for in the past um and what those stat the status of those are if uh you know I know the one particular from the department of energy that we um we uh got a letter for in December but then nothing I I

176don't know much about it since then. Um so I that might be worthy of a conversation. Thank you. Thank you. One last thing um that came to mind. I know that there have been several board members that have requested um reporting on retention numbers in reference to um turnover for teachers year-over-year uh and so on. If we could just keep that topic. Yes, we're gathering that we responded to the perfect. Thank you. All right. Thank you so much. Moving forward to And if there are no other items, we're moving forward to close session. Mr. I move that the school board of the city of Richmond convene in close session to discuss and consider the performance and discipline of classified employees and to discuss the same matters with legal counsel as authorized by Virginia Code 2.2-3711

1772-3711 A1 and A8 and second to discuss the assignment of teaching staff as authorized by Virginia Code 2.2-3711 A1. Second, it's been moved by Mr. Farooq and seconded by Mr. Hedgepath. Madame Clerk, Mr. Pival, yes. Mr. Ricard, yes. Mr. Farooq, yes. Mr. Hedgepath, yes. Miss Rzzy, yes. Dr. Here's Muhammad. Miss Berg, yes. Mr. Jafari, yes. Miss Fernandez, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. We are now close. We're making good [Music]