Dreams4RPS

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: Implement Passion4Reading, a “moonshot” effort to ensure 100% of RPS 3rd graders learn to read proficiently and joyfully.
• 1.2 High School Redesign: Implement Passion4Learning, a complete redesign of our comprehensive high schools, anchoring them in rigorous theme-based programming that prioritizes peer collaboration, hands-on learning, and intentional preparation for enrollment in higher education, employment in a high earning career path, or enlistment in national service.
• 1.3 Special Education: Continue to prioritize meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities, with the goal of becoming a model school system for students with special needs.
• 1.4 Multilingual Learners: Continue to prioritize meeting the unique needs of our multilingual learners, the fastest growing segment of the RPS student body.
• 1.5 Extended Learning time: Continue to prioritize extended learning time opportunities in partnership with the City of Richmond, including RPS200, based on student outcome data.
  

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: Launch Passion4Teaching, a multi-pronged effort to ensure that RPS has 0 teacher vacancies.
• 2.2 Teacher Diversity: Expand RVAMenTeach to increase the number of male teachers of color in RPS.
• 2.3 Leadership Development: Develop an internal leadership development program to train instructional coaches, assistant principals, principals, and central office leaders.
• 2.4 Compensation: Continue our investment in RPS teachers with the goal of ensuring they are the highest paid in the Commonwealth. 
• 2.5 Customer Service: Continue refining Central Office practices to ensure an outstanding experience for all candidates and employees. 
  

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: Improve student mental health through evidence-based wellness and anti-bullying programs.
• 3.2 Trauma Responsiveness: Train and certify every school-based staff member in research-based trauma responsive practices.
• 3.3 6th/9th Grade Transitions: Develop sixth- and ninth-grade academies within middle/high schools to foster student belonging and success. 
• 3.4 Food: Develop the most delicious, nutritious, and culturally diverse meal
  program in the Commonwealth through partnerships between our most experienced food-service team members, local chefs, and students.
• 3.5 Athletics and Activities: Offer all Virginia High School League sports and activities to all RPS middle- and high school students. 
  

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: Foster strong student attendance through deepened connections with families of all backgrounds, and greater support for their needs.
• 4.2 Parent Advocacy: Support student success by developing a robust PTA/PTO at every school.
• 4.3 Community Partnerships: Organize community partners to more intentionally support our high school redesign and reading efforts.
• 4.4 Telling Our Story: Amplify stories about the greatness inherent in our students, and how RPS supports them.
• 4.5 Richmond/RPS History: Train all staff on the history of Richmond and RPS and its impact on our work today. 

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: Develop new master facilities plan, advocate for necessary funding, and execute the first phase of the plan.
• 5.2 Building and Safety Maintenance: Continue to invest in building maintenance, with special emphasison ensuring buildings are always clean, safe, and well stocked with necessary supplies.
• 5.3 Systems: Enhance the student, family, and teacher experience through a new student-information system.
• 5.4 Transportation: Continue to improve on-time arrival rate, enhance student and family experience, and prepare for electric buses.
• 5.5 Technology: Update division technology standards to include a robust AI plan for both students and staff, and enhance division’s cybersecurity.