RPS Educators, Students Protest Proposed Budget Cuts at Town Hall

Concerns grow as Richmond Schools considers $22M in budget cuts

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Potential cuts to Richmond Public Schools' (RPS) 2026-27 budget are drawing pushback from employees, parents and community members. Dozens of people gathered outside River City Middle School on Monday, Feb. 9 ahead of a school board meeting, rallying against $22 million in proposed budget cuts they say would impact both students and staff. "When people ask where that number really hits, the answer is simple: it hits studen…

RPS educators, students protest proposed budget cuts at town hall

RICHMOND, Va. Teachers, students and members of the Richmond Education Association gathered outside a town hall meeting Monday to voice concerns over proposed budget cuts as RPS leaders face a potential $22 million budget shortfall. "Education is not a privilege; it is a need. It's a necessity and it's something that is a basic human right," a student said during the protest."We should not have to beg for counselors, summer school, or mental hea…