More than a dozen speakers called on Richmond Public Schools’ board Tuesday to reject budget cuts they say would burden students and frontline workers, as the district grapples with a funding shortfall for the 2027 fiscal year.

The meeting featured a public hearing on the budget proposed by RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras, which would pause raises, split health insurance cost increases with employees, eliminate about 40 central office positions, and end the Richmond Virtual Academy and K-8 summer schools. Kamras and senior staff would also take furloughs. 

“The current proposal starts with cuts and asks students and frontline workers to absorb the impacts,” said Richmond Education Association President Andrea Bryant. “The REA urges this board to demand a truly needs-based proposal, to scrutinize the changes in the budget and to protect jobs, wages and essential services as much as possible.” 

Speakers also raised concerns about damage to the collective bargaining agreement and how eliminating virtual instruction and reducing mental health services would harm students and workers. 

Kamras and RPS officials have said the proposal is a regrettable but necessary change due to expected expense increases next year and not enough funding, as the city government prepares for a property tax assessment freeze and state lawmakers address new financial obligations. 

Board members, who have called on the RPS community to add their voices to advocacy efforts for more funding, raised similar concerns during their work session meeting on Monday. 

Members stressed the need to prioritize collective bargaining, summer school, health insurance and mental health services in their funding requests. Alternatives to potential cuts and reductions were also floated as ways to ensure students would not lose services and worker needs were addressed. 

“I appreciate the approach that the administration has taken,” Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez said. “But I also believe that these are also priorities that we need to stand behind and advocate for. And if they decide to do otherwise, at least we’ve done our part.” 

The board also elected former Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton to serve as the interim representative for the 6th District in a 7-0-1 vote. 8th District Board member Emmett Jafari abstained, arguing that Holton benefited from “outside involvement” leading to a compromised process. 

A town hall on the proposed budget will be held at River City Middle School on Monday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.