Community
2025 State of the District
The 2025 State of the District was a powerful reflection of both progress and purpose, as Superintendent Brian Walmsley delivered an inspiring and forward-thinking address that reaffirmed Richmond Community Schools’ commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student-first leadership. With over a decade at the helm, Superintendent Walmsley highlighted the district’s continued upward trajectory in student achievement, responsible fiscal management, and a unified vision for the future—one that embraces change, celebrates growth, and prioritizes every student’s success. Rooted in transparency and driven by data, the presentation showcased how Richmond is not only outperforming peers across the region but also redefining what it means to be a student-centered, future-ready school system. More than just a report—it was a call to action, a celebration of resilience, and a bold reminder that the best is yet to come.
2025 State of the District
The 2025 State of the District was a powerful reflection of both progress and purpose, as Superintendent Brian Walmsley delivered an inspiring and forward-thinking address that reaffirmed Richmond Community Schools’ commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student-first leadership. With over a decade at the helm, Superintendent Walmsley highlighted the district’s continued upward trajectory in student achievement, responsible fiscal management, and a unified vision for the future—one that embraces change, celebrates growth, and prioritizes every student’s success. Rooted in transparency and driven by data, the presentation showcased how Richmond is not only outperforming peers across the region but also redefining what it means to be a student-centered, future-ready school system. More than just a report—it was a call to action, a celebration of resilience, and a bold reminder that the best is yet to come.
This year’s State of the District didn’t just spotlight student success—it showcased the strategic backbone powering Richmond Community Schools. Superintendent Brian Walmsley delivered a transparent look at how the district is meeting today’s challenges with innovation, fiscal discipline, and forward-thinking leadership. From the surging enrollment in Career and Technical Education programs to responsible financial planning across all major funds, Richmond is positioning students for real-world success while being a model of public accountability. Whether it's expanding hands-on learning in high-demand fields, managing rising operational costs, or investing in critical infrastructure without over-reliance on bond funds, the district is balancing excellence with sustainability. With rising participation in meal programs, strong stewardship of the General Fund, and a commitment to transparency in a fluctuating funding landscape, this year's address made one thing clear: Richmond is not just reacting to change—it's leading through it.
A clear picture of Richmond Community Schools’ financial turnaround emerged from the presentation. What was once a district bracing for budget shortfalls has transformed into one operating from a place of stability, strength, and strategic focus. The district has locked in four consecutive years of elite-level Fiscal Indicator Scores—consistently hitting 1 or 0—while steadily growing its General Fund balance to a point where payroll borrowing is no longer necessary. That move alone saves tens of thousands in interest, keeping more dollars where they belong: in classrooms. Year after year, independent audits from Yeo & Yeo CPAs have returned the highest rating possible—clean, unqualified opinions—signaling full transparency and airtight records.
One of the most pivotal moments highlighted in this year’s State of the District was Richmond Community Schools’ forward-thinking plan to accommodate a growing student body without placing additional tax burden on residents. With all three buildings nearing or exceeding capacity, the district is proposing a no-increase bond on the November 2025 ballot to fund essential classroom expansions and facility upgrades. If approved, the $51.78 million investment—powered by continued millage rates, not new ones—will directly address overcrowding, modernize learning environments, and ensure every student has space to thrive. This isn't about bells and whistles; it’s about infrastructure that meets rising enrollment head-on. After multiple millage rate reductions in 2023, 2024, and another expected in 2026, voters have the rare opportunity to support critical school growth without paying more. With extensive community engagement already underway—from newsletters and mailers to public forums and building walkthroughs—the district is committed to transparency, facts, and ensuring every voice is heard. This proposal isn’t just smart planning—it’s the next step in building a future-ready school system Richmond can be proud of.
Click Here to View Broadcast
The annual State of the District address was broadcasted courtesy of RichmondTV. You can view the recorded session via the link provided above, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders to stay informed about key updates and insights regarding Richmond Community Schools.
This year’s State of the District didn’t just spotlight student success—it showcased the strategic backbone powering Richmond Community Schools. Superintendent Brian Walmsley delivered a transparent look at how the district is meeting today’s challenges with innovation, fiscal discipline, and forward-thinking leadership. From the surging enrollment in Career and Technical Education programs to responsible financial planning across all major funds, Richmond is positioning students for real-world success while being a model of public accountability. Whether it's expanding hands-on learning in high-demand fields, managing rising operational costs, or investing in critical infrastructure without over-reliance on bond funds, the district is balancing excellence with sustainability. With rising participation in meal programs, strong stewardship of the General Fund, and a commitment to transparency in a fluctuating funding landscape, this year's address made one thing clear: Richmond is not just reacting to change—it's leading through it.
A clear picture of Richmond Community Schools’ financial turnaround emerged from the presentation. What was once a district bracing for budget shortfalls has transformed into one operating from a place of stability, strength, and strategic focus. The district has locked in four consecutive years of elite-level Fiscal Indicator Scores—consistently hitting 1 or 0—while steadily growing its General Fund balance to a point where payroll borrowing is no longer necessary. That move alone saves tens of thousands in interest, keeping more dollars where they belong: in classrooms. Year after year, independent audits from Yeo & Yeo CPAs have returned the highest rating possible—clean, unqualified opinions—signaling full transparency and airtight records.
One of the most pivotal moments highlighted in this year’s State of the District was Richmond Community Schools’ forward-thinking plan to accommodate a growing student body without placing additional tax burden on residents. With all three buildings nearing or exceeding capacity, the district is proposing a no-increase bond on the November 2025 ballot to fund essential classroom expansions and facility upgrades. If approved, the $51.78 million investment—powered by continued millage rates, not new ones—will directly address overcrowding, modernize learning environments, and ensure every student has space to thrive. This isn't about bells and whistles; it’s about infrastructure that meets rising enrollment head-on. After multiple millage rate reductions in 2023, 2024, and another expected in 2026, voters have the rare opportunity to support critical school growth without paying more. With extensive community engagement already underway—from newsletters and mailers to public forums and building walkthroughs—the district is committed to transparency, facts, and ensuring every voice is heard. This proposal isn’t just smart planning—it’s the next step in building a future-ready school system Richmond can be proud of.
Click Here to View Broadcast
The annual State of the District address was broadcasted courtesy of RichmondTV. You can view the recorded session via the link provided above, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders to stay informed about key updates and insights regarding Richmond Community Schools.