4th District Update

Kathy Graziano’s 4th District Update is now ready for perusal (Sept 09 Newsletter). In my mind the most important bit of news is the announcement of the district meeting to be held on a Wednesday, September 9, 2009 7:00 pm at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Mayor Dwight Jones and Superintendent Yvonne Brandon will both be present to discuss the Richmond Public Schools. I will have a second post later this week to remind everyone about the meeting. It is a chance for your voice to be heard so please attend if you can.

Most of the other items in the update we have previously covered but one that I didn’t know about;

Richmond is also kicking off a new science and technology track at the Richmond Technical Center. The Governor’s Career and Technical Academy for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math will start with 45 students the first year and grow eventually to 180 students. The curriculum will incorporate learning specific job related skills in addition to a demanding academic course load. The focus will be on
two career paths: Engineering and Technology, and Therapeutic Services, including sports medicine. Successful students will also be able to earn college credits in the latter stages of the program.

Adria Graham Scott, 4th District School Board Member among other things touches on possible improvements to Huguenot High;

The City Infrastructure Improvement Program (previously
known as the City of the Future Program) is a comprehensive $300 million plan focused on city-wide infrastructure improvements and major new school construction and renovation. With City Council approval in February 2008, Phase I of the Facilities Master Plan Update was immediately initiated. Eleven school projects were identified
as part of Phase I, with the new construction design for Huguenot at the top of the list.

RPS is close to awarding the project design for Huguenot High. When this award is finalized, there will be several opportunities for community input, and I will keep you informed about those opportunities as they are scheduled. I will also provide additional updates to you as they become available. In addition, much needed repair and maintenance work was conducted at Huguenot High over the summer months.

The newsletter also has updates on; lake restoration, Forest Hill House Tour, South of the James Farmer’s Market, James River Parks and quite a bit more on education.