Richmond’s school board members approved a controversial district budget Monday. It included $13 million in cuts and eliminated 49 positions.
School board member Kenya Gibson says she’s disappointed the budget passed with the proposed cuts. Gibson says the district should be focusing on funding needs, not cutting things out.
“I marched for more because I don’t believe that there’s waste in the school system.”
Superintendent Jason Kamras says making efficient cuts is necessary to move the district towards a new model that aligns with his strategic plan.
“I think one of our best paths to getting more money from the city and the state, is to show that we are being extremely responsible with the funds that we have.”
The district is asking the city for $18 million in new recurring funds -- that ask has to be approved by City Council. Mayor Levar Stoney is set to release his budget for the city, which includes education funding for Richmond schools, within the next two weeks.
