RECENT COMMENTS

Concerning the financial landscape of RPS

Hills and Heights has the word on a crucial public meeting about the RPS financials for next year:

The FY2010 financial plan was developed based on input received at four public meetings. We would like that input to continue; therefore, we urge parents and others to attend the next public hearing scheduled for Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the School Board Room located on the 17th floor of City Hall.

The financial landscape of Richmond Public Schools resembles other urban school districts in that we are faced with increasing needs amidst shrinking resources caused by the nation’s economic downturn. Despite an expected $16 million shortfall in state funding and a third straight year of level revenue from the City, our proposed 2010 budget does not compromise classroom instruction or in-class staff. With nearly 81 percent of the budget targeted toward teacher salaries and benefits, the proposed 2010 budget still provides for one of the region’s lowest teacher-student ratios, the most critical factor for maintaining and ensuring academic achievement.

See also: The FY 2009-10 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget (PDF)