Members of the Richmond School Board are remaining hopeful for an infusion of new money during this budget cycle, but acknowledged they anticipate having to cut further before the process is over.

The board voted on Tuesday night to approve Superintendent Jason Kamras’ newly reduced budget, which calls for an increase of $30.8 million over last year’s city funding.

That revised budget is nearly $13 million less than previously proposed. 

The full funding request of the city is about $270 million, and now heads to Mayor Danny Avula, who will submit his proposed budget to City Council for consideration.

Avula has been upfront that large funding increases are unlikely during this year’s budget cycle in any department, with personnel costs increasing as the result of raises promised during collective bargaining.

Board members expressed during Monday’s night’s work session that they remain hopeful City Council will provide the funds the division is looking for. 

Board Member Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District) identified himself as an “eternal optimist” but also acknowledged that the board will “have more cutting to do unfortunately.” Board Member Cheryl Burke (7th District) echoed that sentiment.

“I’m going to remain positive as well and maybe we’ll receive extra money,” she said. 

Kamras also stepped back from his proposal that would split the costs of health insurance increases between RPS and employees after unions denounced the plan.

“To increase health care premiums would be a slap to the face,” said Sharon Gilbert, an administrative office associate at Fox Elementary, during public comment Tuesday night.

Of the five priorities included in the budget, funding for operations was cut the most from Kamras' original proposal — about 60%, specifically in building safety, maintenance and transportation. 

The new budget still contains $16.5 million to meet collective bargaining agreements the school division has committed to.

The $14.8 million budget dedicated to improvements to the school buildings did include a $1.2 million increase for an HVAC replacement at the Martin Luther King Jr. Preschool, as requested by Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed (6th District). 

“I am going to trust the process,” said Harris-Muhammed. She had previously voted against the proposal, pushing for a more modest $23 million increase in city funding.

Harris-Muhammed expressed that she hopes the board will be courageous and accountable when it comes time to make the necessary cuts and to consider if “every school is equitable in our school division.” 

“We gotta start having some honest and courageous conversations about supporting all of our students regardless of their zip code,” she said.