RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond Public Schools recently rolled out a new facility audit system and a newly proposed budget to help address significant maintenance concerns — but it’s possible the funding simply won’t be there.
From air conditioning to fire alarm issues — Several Richmond families have expressed concerns that their students’ classrooms are unsafe.
Richmond parent Adiel Chavarria, whose children attend Elizabeth Redd Elementary School, said his child became sick due to recent air conditioning problems.
“Kids and teachers stay in the school 100 degrees all day, all seasons,” Chavarria said.
However, Chavarria said Elizabeth Redd Elementary is not the only place he has heard of these concerns, with other schools throughout the city needing repairs.
“We have aging facilities — we’re just severely underfunded year over year,” said Dana Fox, Chief Operating Officer at Richmond Public Schools. “So it’s hard to stay ahead of it.”