$257 million proposed for Richmond Public Schools, an $8 million increase over FY26, alongside additional investments in children and families to advance Thriving Families 

Richmond, VA — Today, Mayor Danny Avula outlined key investments in Pillar Three: Thriving Families, including $257 million proposed for Richmond Public Schools, an $8.2 million increase over FY26 and the largest allocation for RPS ever. The announcement comes ahead of the full release of his Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget on March 11.

Pillar Three centers on a simple but powerful commitment: support the education, health, and development of children and families – in and out of the classroom – so that all kids graduate RPS well-prepared for success and connected to opportunities for further learning and career development.  

In 2025, RPS achieved its highest graduation rate since 2016, with over 80% of students graduating.  

“Our children deserve learning environments that are safe, enriching, and full of opportunity,” said  Mayor Danny Avula . “This budget invests in the full ecosystem around our young people — strong schools, caring adults, and the programs that help students learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day. We’ve seen the amazing outcomes that happen when you couple resources with dedicated caregivers, educators, and staff. Let's keep it going, RPS!” 

In addition to the proposed operational funding for RPS and a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) allocation for school facilities, the FY27 proposed budget includes several investments to support children and families: 

• $500,000 to facilitate students’ and families’ access to critical services, benefits, and programs  by supporting Communities in Schools site coordinators in RPS schools;
• $500,000 to reduce costs of childcare and support childcare providers through tuition assistance funded by the Early Child Care & Education Trust Fund;
• $1 million for after-school programming at all seven RPS zone middle schools  through the Middle School Alliance; 
• $850,000 to Positive Youth Development to provide access to community-based out-of-school time  opportunities for youth 11-19 and help prevent youth violence; and
• $625,000 to fund the Children and Families grantmaking process for local nonprofits that support the education, health, and development of children and families. 

Together, these investments reflect a whole-family approach to strengthen educational outcomes, support caregivers, and create opportunity pipelines from early childhood through career development. 

Read more information about  how school funding works . 

The full FY27 proposed budget will be presented publicly on March 11 and submitted to City Council for review and deliberation. For more information about the FY27 budget process, visit  FY27 Budget Season | Richmond.