Nov. 1 Newsletter: Fixing school board governance

Weather: The cooldown begins, 78 and cloudy

On this date in 1951, Mac the Monkey escaped from the Minor Music Company on Robinson Street, where he served as the store’s unofficial mascot. Police speculated to the Times-Dispatch that he “might have headed for the circus grounds, where there were girl monkeys.” He was later found at Byrd Park.

‘Dysfunctional’ reputation on the ballot as some School Board candidates and donors pitch better governance

Richmond School Board candidates are facing questions from voters about whether the board can fix the way it governs itself during the next four-year cycle.

• Marathon meetings and last-minute agenda switches led the Virginia Department of Education to express its concern.
• A committee to find a new auditor found two qualified candidates who wouldn't entertain the position. "They just did not like the School Board environment."

Some board members push back against the characterization, though.

"Because we communicate perhaps in a way that’s different from some people’s expectations, it gets characterized as dysfunction," 5th District representative Stephanie Rizzi said.

Two groups have attempted to recruit, endorse and support candidates in favor of better governance during this cycle.

Read Sarah Vogelsong's deep dive into the issue, and possible progress, here.

A dig for the distant past on Belle Isle

Belle Isle's past as a Civil War prison is well known, but archaeologist Tim Roberts is aiming to tell a story that goes even further back in time.

One of the goals is to tell a complete story of the island ahead of a proposed transformation that will bring even more visitors to the space.

Writer Andy Thompson joined Roberts on a recent dig. Here's what they found...

The 6th District, beyond the controversy

Less than one week out from the election, all eyes are on Richmond’s 6th District. Controversies over Tavares Floyd's campaign paperwork are grabbing the headlines, but voters will still have to make a choice on whether to retain Richmond's longest-serving councilor.

• Ellen Robertson and Willie Hilliard are sparring on the campaign trail over affordable housing and tax policy.

Read more about the race and the issues here.

In other election news...

• In Richmond’s 7th District, a self-described democratic socialist takes on a Council stalwart
• In 8th District race, Trammell goes after challenger over house in Goochland County

Stoney says voters don't want major change at City Hall, cites new report showing improvements

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney released a report that offers a closing argument to his eight years in power. He said he also hopes it leads the next mayor to keep a number of the managers he's hired.

“As far as we’re concerned, retain this talent,” said consultant James Burke, who co-authored the report with colleague Linda Pierce.

Asked why a disconnect seems to exist between how his team feels City Hall is doing and how candidates on the ballot this year are talking about City Hall as they try to win votes, Stoney said customer service issues were a core topic in his 2016 election but less so today.

If the 2024 mayoral race was truly a change election, Stoney asked, why are candidates “ringing my phone asking for my consideration.”

The mayor still hasn't given an endorsement. Read more on the report, and his thoughts on the race, here.

In other news...

• Richmond Kickers wrap up regular season, begin playoffs on Sunday (The Richmonder)
• Southside ReLeaf awarded $25,000 to support work (South Richmond News)
• Richmond Police release body-worn camera video of deadly East Broad Street shooting (CBS 6)

The editor's desk:

I got my turn to experience the City of Richmond's public-facing services this week. After a story last week, we tested our water line, and discovered we had a lead pipe.

A call to the Department of Public Utilities involved time spent on hold, then the person answering said she was only doing so because DPU's phone systems weren't working. She took my number.

The next day I got a call back, with a different number to call. Calling that number, I was told the city has run out of funds for the lead pipe replacement program for the year, and to call back early next year. I asked about a waitlist, but was told they're not keeping one.

Whichever of the next five candidates becomes mayor is inheriting a system where far more people seem to have horror stories than success stories. Their success is our success as a city, and I wish him or her the best of luck.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org