Summer Candidate Survey Series: Week 5
This week we asked Richmond’s mayoral, council, and school board candidates about the relationship between local leaders:
Richmond Public Schools relies on the health and success of City government to fund their operations, and provide safe, thriving communities for their students outside of the school day.
City government relies on the health and success of Richmond Public Schools to attract families and businesses to the area, and provide well educated citizens to support the local economy for generations to come.
What is the ideal relationship between city government and the Richmond School Board? (Answers in bold below.)
How are you, as a candidate for local office, best suited to establish and maintain this relationship? (Longer responses below.)
Answers are listed below in the following order:
Mayoral Candidates (in the order in which they responded)
City Council (districts 1-9, alphabetical order)
School Board (ditto)
Community Poll Results
Let’s dive in!
Mayoral Candidates
Dr Danny Avula
I will maintain professional and transparent communication with the Superintendent and the School Board. I will listen to RPS leaders and stakeholders — not just when convenient, but all year. And I expect the Board and RPS to set clear objectives and to steward their resources.
My family has been invested in RPS for 20 years. My spouse, Mary Kay, is an RPS teacher and our five children attended Richmond public elementary, middle, and high schools. I have seen RPS up close through the lenses of a parent, public health professional, and community member. As a pediatrician, I know that children need support years before they enter kindergarten, through school years, and after graduation. Through open communication, mutual respect, clear goals and accountability, I will build a relationship with the SB based on trust and centering meaningful results for all stakeholders.
Andreas Addison
Investments in RPS include funding, our time and attention, and consistent collaboration with the school board, teachers, parents, and students to deliver a high-quality education. Our success as a city requires leaders to work together and prioritize the needs of the community.
As a City Councilor, I visit every school in my district on a monthly basis. It's important those administrators, teachers and students know that I'm there and invested in their success. This is the same approach I will take as mayor -- by showing up, listening, and being their biggest cheerleader in the city. My role isn't to only show up during budget season. It's to be there year-round to demonstrate my commitment to public education.
Harrison Roday
A collaborative relationship between the Mayor, City Council, and School Board that addresses the needs of all students and fully funds RPS. We must work together to champion our public schools, recruit and retain teachers, fix aging facilities, and expand wraparound services.
The Mayor is one person in a stakeholder group with a clear goal: delivering results for our residents – and in this case, our kids.
This requires partnership. I am proud to have worked with small business owners and non-profits in the process of creating Bridging Virginia, an organization I started that serves entrepreneurs who have been excluded from access to capital.
A partnership-oriented mentality – collaborating on budget, outcomes, and goals – will create a strong foundation to work together to solve problems. I know my experience is well suited to support that partnership.
Michelle Mosby
Building and maintaining strong relationships and trusted communication is the basis for how I have served. The ideal relationship is collaborative and transparent, focused on mutual goals of educational excellence, graduation success, and resource efficiency.
We must work together to address the needs of students, teachers, families, and the community, ensuring our policies are effectively implemented and our educational standards met. As a mayoral candidate, my extensive background as City Council President uniquely prepares me to foster this critical partnership. I have reviewed and approved budgets for Richmond Public Schools, facilitated meetings between City Council and School Board leadership, and engaged in community initiatives to strengthen the bond between the city government and the school board.
Maurice Neblett
The ideal relationship between city government and the Richmond School Board is collaborative, transparent, and focused on student success. Both entities should align resources and policies to support quality education, ensuring effective communication and shared goals.
As a candidate for Mayor, I believe I am well-suited to build and maintain a strong relationship between the city government and the Richmond School Board because of my deep roots in the community and commitment to transparency. I plan to hold regular meetings, keep open lines of communication, and work on joint initiatives so we can work together to improve our schools and support our students, teachers, and families. My background in community organizing and advocacy gives me the skills to build trust and create a collaborative environment.
City Council Candidates
Andrew “Gumby” Breton
1st District
The ideal relationship between city govt & School Board is a collaborative partnership. The Council, Mayor, and School Board should unite to advocate for equitable state funding. And maintain open communication to support school families and secure funding for major projects.
I am well suited to establish and maintain this vital relationship through collaboration and open communication. My political philosophy is to respect all points of view, which I bring to every policy discussion.
My future School Board Rep and I already have a great relationship, understanding our district's education goals.
I was recruited to run because I can listen, collaborate, and consult constructively with those who don't necessarily agree. This enables me to advocate for equitable state funding and supportive programs, securing a thriving, educated community.
Zac Walker
1st District
The success of any city indeed hinges on the quality of its schools. Collaborating closely with the school board ensures that students can excel at every grade level. Ongoing collaboration fosters an environment where education thrives, benefiting the entire community.
As a candidate for local office, I am well-suited to establish and maintain this relationship with the school board. I actively engage in my son’s education, ensuring I understand where he and his friends will attend school. Having met our unopposed school board candidate, I’m confident in our effective collaboration for Richmond City Schools. My commitment to community engagement, fiscal responsibility, and informed decision-making aligns perfectly with the goal of enhancing education. Regular meetings, collaboration, and advocating for essential resources are key components of my approach.
Maria Carra Rose
3rd District
Fostering a working relationship between the two entities is going to be key for growth. Creating a communication pathway will build trust & lead to further ease of engagement. If we are truly working together to build a city for all we need it's foundation to be inclusive & open
The majority of my career has been about creating a narrative to build proverbial bridges. I have been in many different situations where I have had to navigate difficult situations where the ideal outcome required many steps, but the biggest step was building a relationship to bring people together that would've been happy to avoid one another. We have all chosen to "apply" for this be it S.B. or C.C. We all know what our "why" is & in my experience it's the love of community & City. If we start with the core "why" & build relationships & make decisions assuming best intentions we'll thrive.
Sarah Abubaker
4th District
A collaborative relationship based on clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Effective communication and mutual respect between the two governing bodies. And where Council works to ensure RPS is fully funded and RPS is transparent and accountable.
Having worked in the RPS administration, and the field of education in general, for the past 13 years, I bring experience and perspective to this relationship. I understand how RPS operates, where there are gaps, and understand the roles and responsibilities for each body. I believe the most important thing Council, and City Hall can do for RPS is ensure the schools are funded and enact policies that create more supportive services for RPS families so that the schools can get back to the job of educating our children.
Tavares Floyd
6th District
Education is a shared investment that requires full support. I’ll work in harmony with the board to allocate funds effectively, prioritize educational needs, & create an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Our children are the cornerstone of our future.
As the City Council representative, I'll prioritize collaboration with our School Board rep to create a unified vision for the 6th District. Together, we'll ensure that city policies support educational excellence and community development. This unprecedented unity will address longstanding issues, enhance resources for our schools, and foster a stronger, more vibrant district. Electing me means choosing a proactive, cooperative leader committed to bridging gaps and driving positive change for everyone in our community. Something that hasn’t been done in the 6th. We need to be on the same page
Ellen Robertson
6th District
The City Council and School Board relationship should be strengthen by creating a jointly representative taskforce required to present an annual partnership agreement to meet fiscal, facilities, and communities needs and adopted by both government bodies
City Council has a standing Educational Committee which the Superintendent and board chair attend which maintains ongoing communication. With an annual adopted action agreement, the joint representative task force will work together to achieve budgets, facilities, community resources, and partnerships to provide safe, thriving communities outside of the school day and equip
Richmond Public Schools to attract families and businesses, and provide well-educated citizens to support the local economy for generations to come.
Frank Wilson
8th District
The ideal relationship is one where we work together for the common good of our youth. If elected I intend to have an especially close relationship with the 8th District RPS Board Member & explore the possibility of us coming together doing more things jointly, like meetings.
This should not be a question; it should be an expectation/reality. My leadership experience working in the private sector combined with customer facing experience has prepared me to be best suited to foster and maintain a relationship with the RPS Board. The 8h District Council seat does not belong to the incumbent or to developers and special interest. It belongs to the residents. I will develop the kind of relationship with the RPS Board that at the end of the day, whether we agree or not we will be able to come together and get behind matters that are in the best interest of those we serve
Stephanie Starling
9th District
The relationship between city government and RPS should be one of collaboration, mutual respect, and effective communication. Both share the common goal of serving the best interests of the community, particularly in providing a quality education to all students.
My personal experiences as a RPS product, parent, and advocate uniquely positions me to foster a strong relationship between city government and the RPS Board. As someone who has navigated its challenges firsthand, I have developed profound insight into the complexities inherent in RPS.This experience has not only motivated me to serve but has also equipped me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of our educational landscape.By drawing upon my personal background and insights, I can effectively advocate for policies that address the diverse needs of individuals within the school system
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
Kathryn “Katie” Ricard
2nd District
An ideal working relationship depends on honesty, trust, and open-mindedness. We must speak hard truths to each other, but bring the data to support our needs. We must trust that we want the best for Richmond, but we may have different solutions that require compromise.
Through my professional and personal life, I have worn many hats: teacher, administrator, parent, PTA president, and Richmond resident. These experiences allow me to see issues from many points of view. I will come to the table with city government willing to listen and understand the nuances that impact their decisions. However, I will also come with data and stakeholders' opinions so I can clearly convey the needs of Richmond Public School. Together, we can work together to make Richmond better.
Ali Faruk
3rd District
A relationship based on mutual respect, and shared goals. City Council and School Board members should meet and communicate regularly around strategic priorities, and properly project managed to actually make progress.
I have the experience, skills and temperament to build relationships AND make progress on shared goals. I have over 15 years of public policy experience working in health care, housing, and family violence. I'm fluent and familiar with government processes. I've negotiated over bills and budget amendments with legislators and stakeholders. I've led strategic planning committees and had to balance strongly opposing viewpoints and incentives. Polite conversation is nice. Progress on shared goals is better!
Charlene Riley
3rd District
The ideal relationship would include, open communication between departments, some type of check in process, monthly, bi, quarterly. Access to resources to help with school and community issues. Transparency creating greater systems.
Being that I'm a candidate I'm best suited to establish and maintain this relationship, because if elected this will be my job, city government and the school board have to work together if we are to improve the conditions of the schools and be truly resilient.
Kevin Starlings
3rd District
The ideal relationship is collaborative, with open communication and shared goals for student success. The city provides necessary funding and resources, while the School Board oversees education, ensuring accountability and expertise.
I'm well-suited to build a strong relationship. My proven experience collaborating with stakeholders, including education professionals, has equipped me with the skills necessary to build bridges and facilitate effective communication. I deeply understand both city governance and educational challenges. My commitment to student success is unwavering, seeing education as Richmond's foundation. I'll ensure open dialogue and focus on building trust, promoting transparency, and prioritizing student-centered policies. By doing so, I'll strengthen this partnership for our community's betterment.
Angela Fontaine
4th District
Clear collaboration and financial transparency is the foundation, with goals aligned where appropriate. The city actively advocates for RPS, while the School Board engages in relevant citywide initiatives. Board and Council work together to engage their districts.
Clear collaboration and financial transparency is the foundation, with goals aligned where appropriate. The city actively advocates for RPS, while the School Board engages in relevant citywide initiatives. Board and Council work together to engage their districts.
Wesley Hedgepeth
4th District
There must be a positive working relationship that includes trust & transparency. We are often the face of the city, & past, current, & future residents depend on us to work together. At the end of the day, both elected bodies have a similar goal: an improved livelihood for all.
By nature, teachers are collaborative. We regularly engage with a diverse set of stakeholders who have a variety of backgrounds and interests. We also are trained to seek out and consider multiple perspectives. Additionally, I have undertaken significant civil dialogue training.
As the only educator in the race for the 4th, I pledge to use my training to build bridges of trust and collaboration with my colleagues on the school board, city council, and beyond. It’s imperative that we work with each other, and that includes listening to and seeking to understand one another.
Garrett Sawyer
4th District
Highly functional and collaborative. We must work in unison to support the upcoming Dreams4RPS 2.0 strategic plan, but also provide wrap around community services to support our students and families.
I have focused my career on being a collaborator and bridge builder. I’ve already started building a strong rapport with City Council through my work on School Board and the Library Board of Trustees. I will continue to hold meetings with representatives to ensure we remain collaborative and focused on the goal of building the best RPS.
Stephanie Rizzi
5th District
The ideal relationship between the School Board and Council is based on trust, respect, and collaboration. We share the goal of benefiting children. I value my partnership with the Council, especially Council Member Lynch, and am committed to our goals. We make a great team.
During my time on the School Board, I’ve focused on building trust and collaborating with our Council colleagues. We’ve held joint meetings and worked towards common goals, including finding efficient ways to use resources and eliminate redundancies. I value principled collaboration and am grateful for the progress made with Council Member Lynch, always prioritizing our families and children. We’ve set goals for the future, and I’m committed to working with her to achieve them.
Mamie Taylor
5th District
Collaboration, communication and shared resources amongst city leaders is the ultimate goal. This advantageous relationship with both entities will build trust, foster understanding and work towards goals that prioritizes the success and wellbeing of students and their community.
As a candidate for local office, I am best-suited to establish and maintain relationships with my political counterparts as a result of my skills in Communication, collaboration and consensus-building. I have learned the importance of working effectively with varied levels of government to bring modalities to RPS like the Arts Integration at Dogwood Middle and the IB at Chimborazo Elementary, showing how established relationships better allow resources to move around for the betterment of our student body. I am committed to fostering a culture of respect, trust and mutual support throughout.
Dr Shonda Harris-Muhammed
6th District
I have observed the relationship between the two governing entities to be based on how members of the school board votes, who they support, and their level of vocality. The descriptions truly do not matter in the sense of collaboration and partnership. Relationship matters.
Building trust out the gate matters. Respect works at its best in any space of harmony. Leading in decency and in order is a must. When discussions are zoomed in on levels of heated discussion, at the end of the day and as elected officials, there is no need to hurt others in the process of disagreement. Growing together and learning different perspectives are important for sustainability of relationships working in business. I intend to remain focused on the work and maintain a positive rapport with all members of the local government regardless of disagreements.
PH Cruz Sherman
8th District
The ideal relationship between RPS and the Richmond School Board is to have joint meetings to look at and agree on common goals which are in the best interests of the City of Richmond. Also understanding that we must keep the needs of our residents the number one priority.
My answer is Yes! When fully grasp the concept of working together for the greater good, your focus is different. I am running for the City
of Richmond School Board to hopefully be the example of what is in the best of our city and encouraging other City leaders to adopt that same philosophy.
NO RESPONSE PROVIDED
Paul Goldman (1st - City Council)
Matthew Percival (1st - School Board)
Katherine Jordan (2nd - City Council)
Mariah White (2nd - School Board)
Kenya Gibson (3rd - City Council)
Ann-Frances Lambert (3rd - City Council)
Stephanie Lynch (5th - City Council)
Willie Hilliard (6th - City Council)
Cheryl Burke (7th - School Board)
Cynthia Newbille (7th - City Council)
Eric Sundberg (7th - City Council)
EJ Jafari (8th - School Board)
Nicole Jones (9th - City Council)
Shavonda Dixon (9th - School Board)
As a reminder, all candidates have been invited to participate via the email address listed on their candidate registration paperwork. If there’s a better way to reach a candidate, please reach out to us at info@rvadirt.com. Thanks!
Community Poll Results
This week, we asked Richmond’s Reddit and Twitter community:
The City provides 57.7% of RPS funding. Should city leaders have a say in how the RPS Board spends this money?
Yes / No
This has been a lively debate in Richmond for years, specifically related to school facilities. RPS runs many schools at half capacity, purchase trailer classrooms to manage their over-crowded schools, and otherwise poorly manage a portfolio of 50-ish properties - many of which are 50-100 years old and in disrepair. 100% of their maintenance/replacement costs are paid for by Richmond residents via local tax dollars.
Past Richmond Mayors have tried to force school closures to close budget gaps, or force the construction of larger schools to meet projected population growth. The School Board has often been defiant in response, citing their constitutional authority over building/closing schools.
This tension exists more broadly every budget season. Often, the school’s budget is drafted without much consideration of the city’s ability to pay (aka, if city residents would have to pay higher taxes to meet the school’s budget.)
These elected bodiesget locked into a sort of staring contest:
Closing schools is the school board’s job, and politically unpopular.
Raising taxes is the city’s job, and politically unpopular.
Who will blink first?
With that context in mind - let’s return to the question at hand. Should the city have a say in how RPS spends local taxpayer’s money? Our community survey got mixed results:
Twitter: Yes (52%)
Reddit: No (58%)
Thoughts?