Advocacy Opportunities
There are always multiple ways to get involved with advocacy! Understanding how the education system works is key in implementing change. Education policy is shaped by the school district with funding provided by the local, state, and federal levels of government. Within each level of government are specific topics that you can help advocate for. Check out the links below to learn more about how you can use your voice today!
Current Advocacy Opportunities
The Virginia House and Senate released their proposals for the state budget this weekend and RPS is at risk of losing another $12.5 million from our budget for next year. While the Senate released a budget that would provide an additional $2 million for us above what we expected, the House has slashed critical funding streams like the At-Risk Add-On and their budget would reduce our state education funding by $12.5 million from what Governor Northam proposed in December (and what the RPS current budget is based on). Their two budgets now go into a conference committee where they will negotiate a final budget that could land somewhere in between those amounts.
Read more to learn how you can help advocate!
RPS has multiple advocacy designs that you can print onto posters or use as virtual backgrounds to show your support for funding our schools. They can also be printed on to postcards or used in other creative ways too!
Contact your Delegate and Senator to advocate for funding our schools! You can locate your legislators using the General Assembly tool here.
Over half of the operating budget for Richmond Public Schools is provided through the City budget as approved by Richmond City Council. Advocacy with members of Council is critical to ensure that Richmond is doing all it can to fully fund and support our schools
RPS is committed to demonstrating and highlighting equity and ensuring a diversity of voices in all settings. Public comments, both in-person and via email, are encouraged for all members of the public, and especially our students and families.
Virginia News & Politics
The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) is a nonpartisan nonprofit that tracks, analyzes, and reports data and news related to Virginia politics.
They offer a free news aggregation service that provides daily news clips from Virginia's newspapers and media outlets.
Advocacy Partners & Resources
RPS is proud to advocate alongside many organizations in our city, state, and nation that are advocating for students, teachers, and public education. Visit the organizations below to learn more about public education policy and other opportunities to get involved.
