Richmond City Council Education and Human Services Committee Meeting - April 9, 2026

On April 9, 2026, the Richmond City Council Education and Human Services Standing Committee met with Vice Chair Jones presiding, Chair Lynch participating virtually via Microsoft Teams due to a family obligation, and Councilmember Breton present. A quorum was established. The committee heard public comment, approved board appointments, received presentations from the Human Rights Commission and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, and discussed budget and policy priorities.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Cindy Robinson, Principal of Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA), spoke in full support of the school board's budget request. She noted that the proposed $257 million local allocation is a record investment but stressed that strategic excellence requires closing the final $3.8 million gap. She argued that RVA is a model of fiscal efficiency, educating scholars at nearly half the cost of brick-and-mortar schools, and that it is a revenue-positive asset that helps reclaim families lost to private schools or homeschooling. She urged the committee to "fully fund RVA, fully fund RPS."
• Dr. Jacqueline Johnson Wilson, a parent of an RVA student, encouraged fully funding RPS. She highlighted that her son, who has complex health and behavioral challenges, benefits from RVA's virtual least restrictive environment with skilled specialists. She noted that RVA has a 100% graduation rate, low truancy, and per-pupil cost half that of in-person learning. She called for an independent audit to ensure funds are correctly assigned.
• Mrs. Lofton Pickens, Instructional Compliance Coordinator at RVA, stated that RVA is an asset to RPS, not a detriment, and urged unity and equitable education. She also supported an independent audit.
• Dr. Candace Ben, School Counselor at RVA, emphasized that RVA is not a COVID-era solution but a wake-up call for providing safe, virtual options for students with anxiety or non-traditional learning needs. She urged funding RPS and RVA.
• Sandra Porti, Virtual Learning Coordinator at RVA, urged approval of the full proposed RPS budget. She clarified that homebound instruction (temporary, limited hours) cannot replace the comprehensive K-12 virtual program at RVA, which is a necessity for many families.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Chair Lynch’s Virtual Participation: Pursuant to Council Rules, a motion to approve Ms. Lynch’s participation via electronic means was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting were approved as presented.
• Boards and Commissions: The committee reviewed vacancies through August 2026.
  • Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board: One vacancy; application from Brianne Francart noted.
  • Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: One vacancy; application from Ms. Forboda continued to next quarter because membership in the garden could not be confirmed.
  • Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA): Three vacancies; reappointment of Anika Richburg and initial appointments of Christina Austin, Rosario Miller, and Katie Smithwick were recommended.
  • Richmond Public Library: One vacancy; reappointment of Brent Braves supported.
  • Social Services Advisory Board: One vacancy; applications from Elise Black, Trina Davis, Lacey Hancher, and Sharon Walton Darby. The board was continued to the next quarterly review (June 11, 2026) to seek better district balance. The committee forwarded recommendations for RBHA and Library appointments, and continued Lewis Ginter and Social Services.
• Human Rights Commission Presentation: Chairwoman Samantha Galena and Vice Chair Emily Wolfteig presented the commission’s work. The commission’s mission is to safeguard civil rights under 13 protected categories. Three committees: Community Engagement, Research and Policy Development, and Intake and Investigation. In 2025, the Intake committee began drafting an enforcement ordinance to allow local enforcement of anti-discrimination laws (as permitted by Virginia Code). Over 70% of inquiries fall within city jurisdiction, with 30% involving employment, 30% law enforcement, 35% disability discrimination, and 24% sex and race discrimination. The commission is working with the mayor’s office and city attorney. They discussed the need for full-time staffing and the role of the ordinance in protecting vulnerable populations, including undocumented residents. Councilmember Jones asked about duplication with the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion; staff noted close collaboration. Jones requested a list of commission members.
• Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) Presentation: Director Elaine Perry and COO Deanna Crottner presented an overview. RHHD serves Richmond and Henrico jointly, with separate budgets. Key services: communicable disease control, chronic disease prevention, environmental health (food inspections), maternal/child health (WIC), and clinical services (STI, family planning). The districts have 115 staff (15 vacancies). They conducted a Community Health Assessment (CHA) in 2024 and are developing a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) focusing on mental health/substance use, community safety/violence prevention, and chronic disease. The CHIP includes metrics for blood pressure monitoring, nutrition access, and youth mental health. The budget slide showed 41% of funding for foundational services. Councilmember Jones asked about return on investment, highlighting resource centers as a blended funding success. Jones also inquired about the closed Southwood Resource Center; Perry noted they are seeking a clinic-capable space, possibly at a city building in Southside Plaza. Discussions included the importance of WIC and community health workers.
• DCAO Updates: Amy Popovich announced that Anisa Smith (Office of Equity and Inclusion) was appointed by Governor Spanberger to the state LGBTQ advisory board. The city’s first LGBTQ community survey will launch April 20. After-school registration for elementary programs will be aligned on May 1, 2026, with 10% of slots reserved for new enrollees. The Office of Aging and Disabilities Services will host a Spring Fling event on April 23 at TB Smith.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve Chair Lynch’s virtual participation passed (voice vote).
• Minutes of March 12, 2026 approved.
• Motion to forward board appointments (RBHA reappointments and appointments, Library reappointment) to full council for approval, and to continue consideration of Lewis Ginter and Social Services applications to the next quarterly review (June 11, 2026), passed (voice vote).
• Presentations received; no formal votes taken.
• Action item: Councilmember Jones requested a list of current Human Rights Commission members.
• The committee will next meet on May 14, 2026 (anticipated agenda includes workforce commission update and inclement weather shelter review).