Superintendent Jason Kamras presented the third draft of the Dreams4RPS plan to the Richmond School Board at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 9. just monday in NLThe plan focuses on ten goals, three of which are highlighted as top priorities.

The three big goals are to improve school ratings, graduation, and academics. The district is working with research agency MERC to establish realistic targets for each goal for the next five years.

School Ratings | Out of 45 total schools, 24 were fully accredited in the 2023-24 school year.

Graduation | Last school year's graduation rate was 78%.

Academics | The district wants to continue to improve SOL pass rates in reading, writing, social studies, math, and science.

Other key goals include increasing equity, teacher retention, satisfaction among the RPS community, attendance, and funding.

In addition to the goals, the plan includes five priorities for the district.

Superintendent Jason Kamras speaks about the future of Fox Elementary in front of roof reconstruction. | Photo by RICtoday

Exciting and Rigorous Teaching and Learning | Two programs would be implemented as part of this priority — Passion4Reading, to increase reading proficiency among 3rd graders, and Passion4Learning, to redesign high schools based on theme-based programming.

Skilled and Supported Staff | This priority includes a goal to launch a a program called Passion4Teaching to reduce teacher vacancies to zero.

Safe, Healthy, and Loving School Culture | The plan focuses on student mental health, trauma responsiveness, transitions to middle and high school, food, and athletic opportunities.

Deep Partnership with Families and Community | This priority includes further investment in the family liaison program and ensuring that each school has an active PTA or PTO.

Modern Systems and Infrastructure | The draft proposes a new master facilities plan and continued investment in building maintenance.

Want to provide feedback? The online survey is still open and a community meeting will take place before a final draft of the plan is presented at the School Board meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.