City Council is hoping to start work in October on addressing the funding needs of Richmond Public Schools rather than waiting until spring when a amended budget for 2019-20 is presented.

A resolution headed to a council vote on Monday, July 23, would direct the city’s chief administrative officer to present recommendations by Oct. 15 on a “potential local funding approach” for the next city budget.

The resolution cleared council’s Education and Human Services Committee last week and is expected to easily pass the full council.

“I think this shows we are serious about school funding,” said Councilman Michael J. Jones, 9th District, committee chair.

The goal of the resolution is to begin to have the Education Compact that includes Mayor Levar M. Stoney, the Richmond School Board and City Council approve recommendations to be included in the budget plan.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, introduced the resolution in May. She said she wanted to end the battles that typically break out in April and May as the council wrestles with funding for public education and other priorities.