RICHMOND, Virginia – Dozens of parents and community members gathered on Saturday morning at Southside Plaza to make a demonstration by Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras.
“I’m writing the hashtag Keep Kamras and then I’ll write another four years,” said Richard Sebastian, Richmond’s father.
The group participated in a car parade around the city to call on the school board to extend Kamras’ contract for another four years.
“He did a great job. Just communicating, building community and really caring for children, “said Sebastian.” He has a strategic plan that we’ve never had before. “
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“We feel that he was present in all of these areas and representing all communities and is working on all issues that matter to parents,” added Pam Booker, another mother from Richmond.
Kamras’ contract expires on June 30, but the school council has yet to make a decision on its future.
Half of Richmond’s school board members support a four-year extension to Kamras, while the other half are in favor of no more than two, according to the Richmond Free Press.
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“He sends a direct RPS, tells us if someone has a virus or something and we are going to do the self-checkout,” said Latisha Erby.
Erby, who has four children in Richmond public schools and helped organize Saturday’s parade, said he was happy with his leadership during the pandemic and the decision to maintain virtual RPS.
“I feel that we must remain in the virtual, online. Even if it’s not easy, it’s safer, ”said Erby.
She just hopes the board will make the right decision in the future.
“On Monday, I hope and pray that everyone will vote for another four years or more,” said Erby. “That’s what I’m working on.”
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Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney also expressed support in Kamras for a four-year extension.
The school board is expected to make a decision on Monday at its special board meeting, which will begin at 6 pm.
As for students returning to classrooms, Governor Ralph Northam said on Friday that school divisions should have a plan for face-to-face learning options by March 15.