Look inside the proposed RPS budget

Look inside the superintendent’s proposed budget for RPS

The proposed CIP Budget includes a new roof for Maymont Preschool. | Photo by RICtoday

RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras presented his budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 to the Richmond City School Board at a meeting last night. Here’s an overview of the timeline and what to expect from FY24.

🗓 Budget season 101

Basically it goes: Superintendent ➡️ School Board ➡️ Mayor ➡️ City Council ➡️ School Board

Budget season begins in January with the superintendent’s proposal. The school board considers the proposal and, if approved, sends it to the mayor in February.

The RPS budget is then incorporated into the mayor’s city budget proposal and presented to City Council around March. After holding hearings and considering changes, City Council should vote to approve the budget in May.

If the city budget ends up with more or less RPS funding than originally proposed, the superintendent goes back to the board with proposed changes. If there’s no changes, the school board just has to adopt the final RPS budget.

💸 In store for FY24

FY24 starts July 1 and goes through June 30, 2024. Superintendent Kamras’ proposal includes an Operating Budget and a Capital Improvement Plan Budget.

The Operating Budget covers day-to-day costs of running RPS. It is split into five major investments.

Compensation | $24.2 million for teacher and staff pay increases
Student wellness | $1.9 million for a crisis support team and athletics programs
English learner support | $1.2 million for new ESL teachers and coaches, plus funding for training
Saving ARP positions | $6.8 million to preserve positions currently funded by the federal American Rescue Plan
Other priorities | $2.5 million for school renamings, the teacher retention fund, and other school board requests

The proposal also includes $1.3 million in central office cuts. The Operating Budget all adds up to a proposed revenue increase of $35.3 million — $6 million of which is expected to come from the state, with $28.3 million coming from the city.

Meanwhile, the Capital Improvement Plan Budget is for major facility investments. CIP investments include $3.4 million for structural improvements and $3.1 million towards athletics. It totals $9.5 million.

Get into the numbers by reading the full proposal or viewing the superintendent’s presentation via BoardDocs.

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Wednesday, Jan. 18

Richmond Film Network Short Film Series | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 7-9 p.m. | Bowtie Cinemas, 1331 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $12-$15 | See a selection of short films including “Treasure” from Richmond filmmaker Anthony Parson.

Thursday, Jan. 19

MLiT Presents: Photography & Film | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Oakwood Arts, 3511 P St., Richmond | Free | This interactive exploration was inspired by “Issac Julien: Lessons of the Hour” at the VMFA.

Friday, Jan. 20

January Open House + Artist Reception | Friday, Jan. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | Crossroads Art Center, 2016 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond | Free | Check out three new exhibitions and discover your next favorite artist.
“Moonstruck” | Friday, Jan. 20 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | Cher and Nicolas Cage star in this Oscar-winning romance.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Quit Your Day Job Richmond Makers Market | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 12-6 p.m. | Basic City Beer Co., 212 W. Sixth St., Richmond | Free | Every maker you meet at this pup-friendly market is a full-time artisan.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

66º | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of rain

Coming Soon

Fine dining Latin restaurant Cocodrilo is reopening at the end of the month with a new concept and name: Bar West. The spot will offer a more affordable menu of upscale bar food and a renovated space with eight flat-screen TVs. The grand opening is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27. 🍽 (Richmond Magazine)

Travel

Richmonders will be able to fly nonstop to Los Angeles thanks to Breeze Airways. The low-cost airline has been adding destinations out of RIC since it began offering service last May. Flights to Los Angeles International Airport will start May 18 with fares at $99, $199, and $299. ✈️ (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Outdoors

Join the James River Park System Task Force in its monthly mission to remove invasive species at Chapel Island. The group is looking for volunteers to help out on select dates through June. Pro tip: Tools will be provided, but bring your own gloves. 🌱

Try This

If you — or someone you know — is a low-income, minority, or older adult resident of the Northside, East End, Manchester, Midlothian, or Walmsley neighborhoods, heads up. Richmond Connects, the city initiative to improve multimodal transportation, is looking for focus group participants. Fill out this form to get started. 🚌

Stat

36%. That’s how much the rate of Northern Virginians moving to the Richmond area jumped, comparing 2020-2021 with 2012-2019. According to the data, a lot of NoVa transplants are young couples with kids headed to suburbs like Chesterfield, Henrico, and Goochland. (Axios Richmond)

Sports

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Biz

Scott’s Cheap Flights is going, going...Going. The travel membership that saves you hundreds on flights has a new name, and in honor of the rebrand, you can get 30% off a Premium membership with code 6AMCITY30. What you’ll get: last minute weekend trips, mistake fares, and early deal alerts. *

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Get your NFL on 🏈

Watch the NFL playoffs at these 5 sports bars in Richmond, VA

Load up on nachos at Wood and Iron in Scott’s Addition. | Photo by @rvafoodsandstuffs

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is upon us. Before we see who will face off at the ~~Rihanna concert~~ Super Bowl, cheer on your team at one of these Richmond sports bars.

🍗 Wood and Iron Gameday, 1405 Roseneath Rd. | Snack on shareables and smoked wings with 12 different sauces.

🏈 Home Team Grill, 1630 W. Main St. | A Fan staple since 2007.

🍕 Basic City Beer Co., 212 W. Sixth St. | Opt for the microbrewery that also serves fresh pizzas.

📺 Gus’ Bar & Grill, 2701 W. Broad St. | There’s plenty to see on 24 TVs.

🍺 Stadium Sports Bar, 119 N. 18th St. | Head to Shockoe for a lively atmosphere and quality bites.

What’s your favorite sports bar in the Richmond area — or do you prefer the comfort of your couch? Let us know.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: On Monday, we quizzed readers on the fare when Richmond’s electric streetcar system launched in 1888. 85% had the right number. It cost just a nickel to ride the trolley — still more expensive than GRTC buses today, which are fare free. 🚃

Missed our last newsletter? Get the history of the first electric streetcar system in the world — born right here in Richmond.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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