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Jan. 15 Newsletter: School board sets rules — for itself

Weather: Sunny, high of 34. The snow continues to melt away, slowly.

On this date in 1967, A development company proposes a planned community in Chesterfield County, at the Swift Creek Reservoir. The original plans left space for a university, with the developers hoping to lure the Medical College of Virginia.

Today's newsletter sponsored by VCU. Virginia Commonwealth University is a powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. We attack challenges as opportunities to do what others can’t or won’t. VCU is truly unlike any university you’ve ever seen.

Politics and water

Richmond bringing in third auxiliary water pump after a primary pump fails overnight

One of Richmond's water pumps failed overnight on Monday, leading the city to bring in another bypass pump to assist with water production. There are now three functioning pumps, and three bypass pumps, instead of the original eight pumps at the plant. The city says that is more than enough to produce adequate supply.

Avula says review of Richmond water crisis should take around 30 days

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula told City Council Monday night that he wants to move quickly with the independent review he’s promised, and would like to see the report within 30 days of selecting a vendor.

Richmond posts chief administrator job with upper salary of nearly $380K

A job posting lists a salary range of $227,280-$379,568 per year for whomever Avula hires to run day-to-day operations at City Hall. Lincoln Saunders, who resigned from the position on Dec. 31, made $334,700 a year.

Education

New School Board ushers in new rules — for itself

New rules will limit how long individual members can talk on each issue to three minutes, cap most presentations from Superintendent Jason Kamras’ administration at five minutes, prohibit last-minute agenda changes except in the case of emergencies and revamp the monthly meeting schedule.

The changes are intended to rein in the board’s notoriously long meetings, which in prior years have frequently stretched to 10 p.m. and beyond.

RPS announces calendar changes after unexpected week off for water crisis

Today was intended to be a half-day for students and a half-day for teacher planning, but students will now have a full day of school. They will also attend on Tuesday, Feb. 18, previously scheduled as a day off. 

VCU plays its best game of the season to knock off first-place Saint Louis

The Rams wrestled first place in the Atlantic 10 away from the Billikens last night, showcasing a deep team that can compete with anybody in the conference — and will probably have to in order to make the NCAA tournament.

Arctic chill to continue for RVA, with more chances for snow before February

There will be more chances for snow in late January, but not this weekend. In spite of the consistent cold, the next storm is more likely to bring light rain to Richmond on Saturday.

Today's sponsor:

VCU supports military waivers, state funding push

Virginia Commonwealth University supports the state program connecting military families to higher education and state efforts to enact funding changes to allow it to continue.

VCU support accounts for about 18% of all state waivers. However, the cost has increased by more than $14.8 million. Read more.

In other news

The editor's desk

Add an earthquake (thankfully a small one) to the 2025 tally in the Richmond area. I guess locusts are next?

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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