For decades, Richmond Public Schools has struggled to keep a superintendent and administration in place for more than five years.

Now, our School Board has an opportunity to extend a four-year contract to Superintendent Jason Kamras and ensure measurable progress for the 24,000 students enrolled.

Mr. Kamras came to Richmond three years ago and created the first-ever strategic plan, DREAMS4RPS, with public input and School Board approval. This plan set key performance indicators that measure the success of the superintendent and his team.

Progress is happening, and yet, there is much more work to be done. Our School Board stood in partnership with Mr. Kamras and asked City Council and the mayor to fund their plan.

It has become clear that some School Board members are pushing to renew Mr. Kamras’ contract for two years – the shortest contract a superintendent in the Greater Richmond region has been offered.

As parents of students in city schools across the district, we believe extending a four-year contract prioritizes retaining good leadership and allows progress to continue.

Research shows that successful systemic school reform takes five or more years of a superintendent’s focus and suggests that negative impacts of turnover could be felt even longer. The loss of a superintendent also may negatively affect staff morale and satisfaction.

While no one contends that everything this School Board and superintendent have done is perfect, we do believe their heart is in the right place. They have laid the groundwork to measure success and they have the support of parents, teachers, students and our business community. All of this goes a long way toward moving RPS in the right direction.

Nearly 1,500 parents, teachers, students and partners in RPS have signed a petition to “Keep Kamras” for four more years. We are saying:

“Kamras is the most genuine, caring and qualified Superintendent I’ve ever experienced. RPS NEEDS CONTINUITY & HIS LEADERSHIP!”

“I appreciate Superintendent Kamras’ commitment to equity, centeredness in love for all, and hard work and inspiration throughout the pandemic.”

“Kamras is the best superintendent we’ve had. He not only seems to better ‘get’ the equity issues, but also seems competent and dedicated.”

“He has challenged Richmonders to explore what true EQUITY looks like and is committed to doing his part to make it possible.”

“RPS has lacked the consistency needed to move any program forward. Mr. Kamras has shown that he cares about our children and our communities.”

As parents of students in Richmond Public Schools, we want our School Board members to extend Mr. Kamras’ contract for four more years.

KRISTEN BENJAMIN

Parent of two

Chimborazo Elementary PTA

PAM BOOKER

Parent of two

Albert Hill Middle School PTA

TISHA ERBY

Parent of five

River City Middle School PTA and Broad Rock Elementary PTA

TREYSI KNOX

Parent of two

John B. Cary Elementary PTA

CHRYSHUNDA MOORE

Parent of one

Ginter Park Elementary School

RUPA MURTHY

Mom of three in RPS

SHAWNTAE YOUNG

Parent of five

Henderson Middle School