Cuts Main Topic at Richmond School Board Public Meeting
RTD is reporting on the public meeting held last night to discuss the 2009 budget for Richmond Public Schools. As expected the main topic was the $16 million shortfall and how the school system was going to make up the difference. One bit of news that I find particulary distressing is the increased turnover that has ocurred. This year 44% of the staff was new up 13% from the previous year.
Among other things, cuts could include staff, after-school programs and athletics. They could also result in larger class sizes and longer walks to school for some students.
The threat to teachers was the predominant theme during the public portion of the hearing. Thirty people spoke. Most were city teachers; none spoke in favor of the cuts.
I’d love to hear more about how RPS is going to be more efficient rather than just how they have to cut already strained resources. Remember when they were going to reduce the number of schools? consolidate more facility stuff with the city etc. Shouldn’t they look at all the money that was mismanaged through faulty financial reporting and management?
There are several bills in the Va. General Assembly that relates to school board supervision.The failure of these bills may affect consolidation attempts by some local schools districts to consolidate certain services with their local governing bodies.