Richmond Public Schools

     NEWS RELEASE
  Dr. Dana T. Bedden, Superintendent
                                                                        Kenita Bowers, Director of Communications & Media Relations                                            Public Information Office: 804-780-7100
publicinfo@richmond.k12.va.us

For Immediate Release
December 14, 2015

School Superintendent presents FY2017 Estimate of Needs
Presentation demonstrates investment in Academic Improvement Plan, 
improving systemic compensation for teachers and staff, and building capacity needs

RICHMOND, Va. - At the December 14^th work session of the Richmond City School Board, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) Superintendent Dana T. Bedden presented an Estimate of Needs for the school district's fiscal year (FY) 2017 proposed operating budget. Dr. Bedden emphasized that the presentation was not an actual budget, but an estimate of needs intended to provide guidance and insight to the School Board as they work to develop a budget proposal to submit on behalf of the district.

“This Estimate of Needs provides the School Board with the starting point for budget development.  It also outlines many areas of our budget that have operated with a structural deficit, which will be difficult to sustain without full allocation or a reduction in service levels," said Dr. Bedden. "Research supports the facts that education helps to reduce crime, reduce healthcare issues and cost, increases property values, supports economic development, provides the future workforce, and most importantly, reduces the poverty level in our community. The poverty rate of twenty-six percent in the city and almost forty percent for school-age children is a direct indication of a crucial barrier to academic success," added Bedden.

The focus of the superintendent’s Estimate of Needs is centered on continuing to invest in the Academic Improvement Plan, equitable employee compensation, and meeting basic needs and facility improvements in an effort to bolster the teaching, learning, and work environment across the district. The presentation highlighted structural deficits carried for multiple years that were previously funded by fund balance savings and hard-to-fill positions/vacancies. Other snapshots include an overview of expenditures that clearly illustrate significant costs in operational areas due to budget inadequacies that impact transportation as well as operations and maintenance.

“It becomes progressively difficult to address the growing needs of our students when we are currently challenged with aging facilities, increasing enrollment, and budget constraints that can sometimes limit the district's ability to offer competitive compensation, which is parallel to quality teaching and learning environments,” said Dr. Bedden.

The School Board will continue to hold work sessions throughout the budget process. A list of budget work sessions and public hearing dates are available on the district’s website at richmond.k12.va.us.  A public hearing on the Superintendent’s proposed 2017 estimate of needs and Capital Improvement Budget will be held Monday, January 4, 2016, at 6 p.m. in the School Board Room, located on the 17^th floor of City Hall. Parents, employees, and community members are encouraged to actively share feedback about the funding needs of the district.

 ###

To view the Superintendent's Estimate of Needs and supporting documents, visit http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond.