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Council presses for RPS documentation after virtual academy cost doubles; proposes independent audit

Richmond City Council · April 15, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Council members sought written backup after Richmond Public Schools told staff the Richmond Virtual Academy would cost $3.2 million (up from a staff estimate of $1.6 million). Several members urged an independent audit (estimated about $175,000) to reconcile apparent budget discrepancies and to clarify whether city funding could ensure program continuity.

Council members pressed for clearer documentation and an independent review after Richmond Public Schools (RPS) reported that a full Richmond Virtual Academy would cost $3,200,000 — double a prior council-staff estimate of $1,600,000. Council chief of staff RJ Warren said staff’s initial analysis showed $1.6 million but RPS provided the $3.2 million figure and council asked staff to compare the two amounts and report back.

The discrepancy prompted multiple council members to call for an independent audit of RPS budget practices. "The reason this amendment is here is to get clarity,"…

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