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Dreams4RPS

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Our Dreams, Their Future

In October 2024, the School Board set the course for the next five years at Richmond Public Schools. Our five-year Dreams4RPS strategic plan reflects the dreams we heard in over 190 community meetings and 5,000 submitted comments. It’s an ambitious plan to make sure that RPS is offering all of its students an exemplary education — and a first-class ticket to their future. 

Anchored by five priorities, driving toward three key initiatives, our strategic plan will pave the way to success by the end of the 2028-29 school year.
 

Key Initiatives

  • 100 percent of our third graders reading joyfully and proficiently
  • 92 percent of our high schoolers graduating on time
  • At least 48 of our schools are considered ‘distinguished’ or ‘on track’ according to the state Department of Education.
     

Other Goals

Three Passions drive this work

Passion4Reading

invests in evidence-based curriculum, teacher development, and reading coaches and interventionists to ensure every child has a strong foundation in literacy. From phonics to fluency and comprehension to content knowledge, we’re giving every child what they need to success.

Passion4Learning

is our multiyear effort to redesign high schools to both meet students’ interests and prepare them for college and career. With an arts high school coming online in 2026 and a new tech center in just a few years, we’re well on our way.

Passion4Teaching

means we’ll have zero teaching vacancies on day one. Teachers are a vital part of student success, and we’re making sure they’re trained, supported, and compensated as such.

We believe that by focusing on these three strategic initiatives, we’ll be able to drive transformation across the Division and ensure that all children can live lives of choice and opportunity. 

 

Five Pillars. One Bold Vision.

We’re accomplishing these goals through investments in five strategic priorities ...

Exciting and Rigorous Teaching and Learning.

With this priority, every student will have challenging and exciting educational experiences and opportunities to live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.  

  • 1.1 Reading
  • 1.2 High School Redesign
  • 1.3 Special Education
  • 1.4 Multilingual Learners
  • 1.5 Extended Learning time 

Skilled and Supported Staff.

Aims to ensure that every classroom in RPS will be home to a highly qualified, well-compensated educator who has ample opportunities to grow right here in Richmond.

  • 2.1 Zero Teaching Vacancies 
  • 2.2 Teacher Diversity
  • 2.3 Leadership Development
  • 2.4 Compensation
  • 2.5 Customer Service

Safe, Healthy, and Loving School Cultures.

Focuses on ensuring that the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every child is prioritized through a holistic approach and consistent implementation of evidence-based practices.

  • 3.1 Student Mental Health
  • 3.2 Trauma Responsiveness
  • 3.3 6th/9th Grade Transitions
  • 3.4 Food
  • 3.5 Athletics and Activities 

Deep Partnerships with Family and Community.

It takes a village, and we can only achieve our goals with families and the community.

  • 4.1 Family Engagement
  • 4.2 Parent Advocacy 
  • 4.3 Community Partnerships
  • 4.4 Telling Our Story
  • 4.5 Richmond/RPS History

Modern Systems and Infrastructure.

Finally, we’ll ensure that every RPS buildings and infrastructure will be safe and sustainable, and support streamlined operations and modern learning environments.

  • 5.1 Facilities
  • 5.2 Building and Safety Maintenance
  • 5.3 Systems
  • 5.4 Transportation
  • 5.5 Technology

  • Exciting and Rigorous Teaching and Learning.

    With this priority, every student will have challenging and exciting educational experiences and opportunities to live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.  

    • 1.1 Reading
    • 1.2 High School Redesign
    • 1.3 Special Education
    • 1.4 Multilingual Learners
    • 1.5 Extended Learning time 

  • Skilled and Supported Staff.

    Aims to ensure that every classroom in RPS will be home to a highly qualified, well-compensated educator who has ample opportunities to grow right here in Richmond.

    • 2.1 Zero Teaching Vacancies 
    • 2.2 Teacher Diversity
    • 2.3 Leadership Development
    • 2.4 Compensation
    • 2.5 Customer Service

  • Safe, Healthy, and Loving School Cultures.

    Focuses on ensuring that the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every child is prioritized through a holistic approach and consistent implementation of evidence-based practices.

    • 3.1 Student Mental Health
    • 3.2 Trauma Responsiveness
    • 3.3 6th/9th Grade Transitions
    • 3.4 Food
    • 3.5 Athletics and Activities 

  • Deep Partnerships with Family and Community.

    It takes a village, and we can only achieve our goals with families and the community.

    • 4.1 Family Engagement
    • 4.2 Parent Advocacy 
    • 4.3 Community Partnerships
    • 4.4 Telling Our Story
    • 4.5 Richmond/RPS History

  • Modern Systems and Infrastructure.

    Finally, we’ll ensure that every RPS buildings and infrastructure will be safe and sustainable, and support streamlined operations and modern learning environments.

    • 5.1 Facilities
    • 5.2 Building and Safety Maintenance
    • 5.3 Systems
    • 5.4 Transportation
    • 5.5 Technology

Every investment, every priority, and every partnership moves us closer to one goal: ensuring every Richmond Public Schools student has the opportunity to rise.