Council approves $1.9 million amendment for Petersburg schools, asks for reporting and joint meeting with school board

PETERSBURG, Va. — The Petersburg City Council approved a $1.9 million amendment to the Petersburg City Public Schools FY2025 budget at its March 18 meeting, with council members asking for clearer categories of use, quarterly reporting and a joint meeting between council and the school board.

The council voted on a motion by Mayor Samuel Pam that specified capital improvements, culture/climate initiatives and instructional enhancements as categories for the funds, and included items referenced in the meeting such as five additional slots at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School and two CodeRVA slots. Council also agreed to add funding for teacher certification programs and an assistant athletic director position as discussed during the meeting.

Why it matters: The amendment directs one‑time, locally controlled dollars toward school facilities and student programs. Several council members said they supported the measures but asked that the school division tie expenditures to measurable educational outcomes and provide periodic reports on academic, cultural and fiscal progress.

What council heard - Public comments: Barb Rudolph asked why the request had been pending for months and questioned whether prior guidance limited leftover school funds to capital projects; a resident, Gary Talley, spoke in support of the amendment. - Council input: Council member Westbrook gave an extended statement urging targeted, outcome‑driven use of funds and quarterly academic and fiscal reporting; Council member Smith Lee asked that money be used to support teacher certification programs, naming Virginia State University as a potential partner. - Staff and school response: A school board representative was present and staff provided a summary of uses; Mayor Pam moved the amendment with the listed priorities and council added certification support and personnel described in the motion.

Vote: The roll call recorded six ayes and one abstention: Council members Cuthbert, Jones, Myers, Westbrook, Smith Lee and Mayor Pam voted yes; Vice Mayor Hill recorded an abstention pending scheduling of a joint meeting with the school board.

Quote "This amendment should not just improve our schools physically, it should uplift our teachers professionally and elevate our students academically," Council member Westbrook said during his remarks.

Next steps: Council asked staff to arrange a joint meeting with the school board before budget season and requested quarterly reporting on academic, cultural and fiscal measures tied to the amendment.