Budget shortfall could force 5 schools in Richmond, Va., to close
Five schools in the Richmond (Va.) district could be closed if the board can't close an $18 million budget deficit.
WVTR-TV reports that campuses that the district may have to close are Armstrong High School, John B. Cary Elementary School, Overby-Sheppard Elementary School, Swansboro Elementary School, and Southampton Elementary School.
The closings may be necessary if the district has to cut $18 million from its budget. School leaders have asked the city council for an additional $18 million to repair aging buildings and address safety and health concerns. However, the budget proposed last month by Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones did not include the requested funds.
School officials say the district would save $3 million by closing the schools and an additional $3 million by reconfiguring its student transportation system.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the schools on the chopping block have flat enrollment or are under capacity. The closings, if they come to pass, would be carried out in time for the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Video from WVTR-TV:
About the Author
Mike Kennedy
Senior Editor
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.