Compliments for Patrick Henry from the School Board but some help still needed
The library is coming together
Just a few weeks removed from a scathing letter (PHSSA response to the letter can be found here) sent to parents that was critical of finances, curriculum and the ability to get renovations done on time the RPS school board last night the board reversed it’s tone. From the RTD;
Setting aside its ongoing concerns, Richmond school officials on Tuesday applauded the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts for its imminent move to a permanent home.
After about $500,000 in renovations, the city’s first charter school is scheduled to start classes Monday in the former Patrick Henry Elementary School on Semmes Avenue. The elementary school has been operating from nearby Woodland Heights Baptist Church.
The Patrick Henry building received its certificate of occupancy Dec. 29, and efforts are under way to move materials, set up classrooms and get data lines functional, said P. Andy Hawkins, chief operating officer of Richmond Public Schools.
The school has clean floors, new carpet and various improvements to address requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We’ve looked at it and we believe it’s to be in full compliance with the ADA regulations,” Hawkins told the Richmond School Board.
Added Superintendent Yvonne W. Brandon: “We’re very happy to see that they’ll be in their permanent home.”
The reason that there were no parents or PHSSA board members at last night’s school board meeting is because it was a closed session, and generally the public isn’t permitted to speak. PHSSA was given only 2 days notice of the change in RPS’s agenda. There WILL be parents at the January 17th meeting however. While it’s nice to hear supportive words from Dr. Brandon and the school board, their often adversarial actions speak louder than words.
I am the PHSSA PTA president and Kim Bridges called my home at 8:06 on Monday night to invite PH parents to the meeting…stating to me later in an email that ALL school board meetings were public?? Not the case, just last minute “insincere gestures” as usual game playing. We will see you on the 17th RPS school board.
What is the time and exact location of the meeting on the 17th?
The next public RPS school board meeting is January 17 at 7pm at City Hall which is located at 900 East Broad Street.