RPS’ Monday board meeting: George Wythe discussions, fall reopening, dropout rates

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Plans for constructing a new George Wythe High School, reopening classrooms in the fall and assessing dropout rates are among the topics on the agenda for the Richmond Public School Board’s Monday meeting.

George Wythe High School

Board members are slated to discuss the nearly two hours’ worth of community feedback that was given during last Tuesday’s meeting at George Wythe.

Last week was the first time the board heard from the public after the decision to take sole control of school construction, instead of partnering with the city. A letter from the board suggests collaboration is important, and it’s maintaining its “schools build schools” stance.

“We, as the duly elected governing body of the school system, believe that this is in the best interest of students and will ensure that public dollars are spent in an efficient and just manner,” the letter stated.

Fall Reopening

The board is also expected to discuss its health and safety measures to implement for the 2021-22 school year.

Plans include daily symptom checking, care spaces for students with symptoms and mask requirements regardless of vaccination status.

The plans also outline social distancing measures required for students at each education level.

More information about the reopening plan can be found here.

Dropout Rates

The board will receive an update on the Dreams4RPS initiative, namely the district’s goal to increase graduation rates across all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Tracy Epp, the board’s chief academic officer, is slated to present the division’s summer school programs, projected dropout rates and on-time graduation rates.