On March 2, 2026, the Richmond City Council's Organizational Development Standing Committee convened to hear two major presentations: an update from Richmond Public Schools (RPS) Superintendent Jason Kamras on the FY27 budget and student performance, and a workforce stability report from HR Senior Deputy Director Ms. Redman on city-wide vacancy and turnover trends. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. RPS Budget and Performance Presentation - Student Achievement Highlights: Superintendent Kamras reported that RPS economically disadvantaged students are growing five times faster than their peers statewide in reading SOL scores. Multilingual learners (English language learners) in RPS slightly exceed the state average proficiency of 33.1% and also surpass neighboring counties. The graduation rate reached 88%, the highest in approximately 20 years. - FY27 Budget Proposal: Kamras presented a revised budget proposal ("hot off the presses") based on a more favorable House budget, which projects a $20 million increase in state funding for RPS (Senate budget proposed $16 million). Key changes from earlier iterations include: - Shifting the proposed 50-50 split on health insurance cost increases to a 75-25 split (RPS taking the larger share) - Full funding of mental health and wraparound support contracts - Full funding of summer school - Elimination of a proposed furlough for directors and chiefs (saving $68,000, restored for morale) - The requested city funding increase dropped from $21 million to $9 million, acknowledging the city's fiscal constraints - Still included: closure of Richmond Virtual Academy and reduction of 46 central office FTEs (list on page 37) - One-Time Funding Risk: Approximately $7 million of the new state funding is one-time money unless replaced. Using it for recurring costs (like raises and collective bargaining commitments) creates a projected shortfall in FY28. Kamras recommended using the funds anyway to meet collective bargaining agreements, rather than asking the city for $16 million. - Administrative Efficiency: Kamras noted that RPS ranks 120th out of 131 school divisions in administrators per 1,000 students, calling it "one of the leanest school divisions in the Commonwealth." - CIP Request: A $10.3 million capital improvement program request includes electrical, fire safety, HVAC, plumbing, roofs, and structural projects, plus $1 million for Westover Hills Elementary parking lot and student drop-off area improvements in conjunction with city work on Jank Road. - Auditor Hiring: School Board Vice President Percival stated the board has been actively recruiting an internal auditor for over a year. Challenges include a tight labor market for auditors and the need for a highly credentialed person familiar with Richmond's unique context. The new Chief Talent Officer is now engaged in the search, and a candidate may be in place within weeks. City Workforce Stability Report - Turnover and Vacancy Trends: Ms. Redman reported that city-wide turnover has dropped by more than 40% since FY22, reaching a record low of 9.4%. Vacancies are also declining; the estimated vacancy rate through eight months is 12.3%, down from 14% in June 2025 (a reduction of 123 vacant positions since June). - Remaining Challenges: Despite improvement, 457 of 536 vacant positions (85%) are concentrated in 10 departments. The average time to fill a position is currently 194 days; the goal is to reduce to 120 days and eventually lower through process improvements and modern technology. - Departmental Priorities: Councilmember Lynch flagged the Finance Department's 39% vacancy rate as a critical risk, given an upcoming budget presentation, a late audit, and a CAFR/ASPR item removed from the agenda. Ms. Redman noted that Finance turnover has stabilized at 10% but hiring remains necessary. She also acknowledged that Public Utilities uses outsourcing, overtime, acting pay, and special pay to cover vacancies. - Outsourcing and Temporary Staff: In response to Councilmember Gibson, Ms. Redman confirmed that contractors sometimes transition to permanent roles, but some prefer the flexibility of contracting. - Budget Implications: Councilmember Breton raised the question of whether the city budgets as if all positions will be filled, or uses a realistic vacancy assumption. Ms. Redman agreed to coordinate with budget staff to prepare a realistic estimate. Councilmember Gibson noted the cost of turnover (lost expertise, overtime, outsourcing) and suggested collective bargaining has contributed to improved retention. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments or testimony were presented during this meeting. Key Outcomes - Superintendent Kamras will present the final proposed budget to the School Board on the evening of March 2, with a School Board vote scheduled for March 3. The budget will then go to the Mayor for consideration before returning to the City Council. - The Committee agreed to forward several detailed questions to city administration, particularly regarding: - The feasibility of using CIP funds for one-time operational costs (Councilmember Lynch) - Realistic vacancy assumptions for budgeting purposes (Councilmember Breton) - The cost of outsourced labor and temporary staffing in high-vacancy departments (Councilmember Gibson) - Overview of the FY27 budget timeline, potential 2% departmental cuts, and how to proceed without full financial clarity (Councilmember Trammell) - Councilmember Robertson will submit written questions on RPS academic performance and demographic trends directly to staff via Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren. - The Committee accepted the standing committee reports on the desk without additional comment. - The meeting adjourned without further business.
