Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Organizational Development Standing Committee of the Richmond City Council met on March 3, 2026, to receive two major reports: a presentation on the Richmond Public Schools (RPS) FY27 budget and academic progress from Superintendent Jason Camers, and a second quarter vacancy and turnover report from HR Senior Deputy Director Robin Redman. Council members discussed funding challenges, workforce stability, and budget priorities, with no formal votes taken.

Discussion Items

• Richmond Public Schools FY27 Budget Presentation: Superintendent Jason Camers, joined by School Board Vice Chair Matt Percival and Chief of Staff Sharena Chang, presented academic gains and the latest budget proposal. Key academic highlights: back-to-back years of growth in all four SOL subject areas; economically disadvantaged students gained 10 points in reading over two years (five times the state average); multilingual learners exceed state average; graduation rate reached 88%, highest in approximately 20 years. Budget proposal: built on a $20 million increase in state funding (House budget) and a $9 million increase from the city, including a 2% raise for collective bargaining units, a 75-25 split on health insurance cost increases, full funding for mental health and summer school, and elimination of a proposed furlough. However, cuts remain: closure of Richmond Virtual Academy and reduction of 46 central office FTEs. Superintendent Camers noted that approximately $7 million of the new state funding is one-time money, creating a potential shortfall in FY28 if used for recurring costs. He also highlighted the Local Composite Index (LCI) for Richmond at 0.58, indicating the state considers Richmond’s ability to pay higher than neighboring counties, which he argued points to inequitable state funding. Council members raised questions and concerns:

  • Councilmember Gibson emphasized the need for transparency and expressed concern about using one-time funds for recurring expenses, advocating for prioritizing adults in buildings over software contracts.
  • Councilmember Albacher asked about the $68,000 savings from the proposed furlough and the status of hiring an RPS auditor. Vice Chair Percival noted ongoing recruitment challenges due to credential requirements and hybrid work preferences.
  • Councilmember Robertson requested detailed academic data and demographic trends, noting a decline in African American students and growth in Latino students, particularly in the 8th and 9th districts. Superintendent Camers confirmed a slight decline in African American enrollment and a potential impact from federal ICE enforcement on Latino families.
  • Councilmember Lynch questioned the financial mechanics of using one-time funds for maintenance and CIP, seeking ways to avoid a cliff. Superintendent Camers indicated no other one-time expenditure options were identified.
  • Councilmember Jordan asked about the at-risk add-on funding in the Senate budget and the 1% sales tax for construction. Superintendent Camers estimated the at-risk add-on could yield an additional $1 million, and the 1% sales tax is likely to pass and go to voters.
  • Councilmember Barton inquired about non-personnel expenses and the ratio of administrators per 1,000 students (RPS ranks 120th out of 131 divisions, one of the leanest). He also raised the possibility of joint purchasing between city and schools and asked about the auditor hiring challenges.
  • Council President expressed appreciation for the progress and advocacy, and noted follow-up questions would be sent to staff.

• Second Quarter Vacancy and Turnover Report: HR Senior Deputy Director Robin Redman presented workforce stability data. Key metrics: turnover rate reduced by over 40% since FY22, projected at 9.4% for FY26 (record low); vacancies declining to 12.3%. However, some departments exceed 15% vacancy, including Public Utilities (145 vacancies) and Finance (39% vacancy). About 50% of vacant positions are moving, and average time to fill is 180 days, with a goal to reduce to 120 days. Discussion included:

  • Councilmember Lynch emphasized the need to prioritize critical departments, especially Finance, given ongoing budget and audit challenges. He noted the finance department’s 39% vacancy rate is a systemic issue.
  • Councilmember Trammell expressed frustration over budget uncertainty and lack of clarity on available funds, urging focus on public safety and essential services. She thanked the CAO for a detailed budget book.
  • Councilmember Gibson highlighted collective bargaining as a factor in reducing turnover and stressed the importance of fair promotions and addressing outsourcing costs.
  • Councilmember Barton asked about realistic vacancy assumptions for budget projections, noting that if not all positions can be filled, the budget should reflect that. Ms. Redman said the department would work with budget to address this.
  • Councilmember Jordan noted the connection between vacancies and overtime, particularly in fire and police, and asked about vacancy analysis. Ms. Redman confirmed that fire sworn has only five vacancies, but police and fire overtime is driven by minimum staffing and events.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during the meeting.
• The RPS school board was scheduled to vote on the budget the following day (March 4), after which it will go to the mayor and then to the City Council for consideration.
• Council members directed staff to forward specific questions to the RPS administration and the city’s budget office (Mr. Donald) for follow-up in upcoming work sessions.
• The committee accepted the reports of standing committees without additional comment, and the meeting was adjourned.