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  1. Ballot Questions
  2. Richmond City
  3. Proposition A

Local Ballot Question

Richmond City
Proposition A

Nov. 7, 2017

Would amend the Charter of the City of Richmond with regard to the city's public school system.

Shall the Charter of the City of Richmond be amended as follows: Section 6.15 - Fulfilling the Promise of Equal Educational Opportunities. (a) Preamble "Education is the great equalizer" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wisely taught us. In their historic Brown v. Board of Education decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court … (More)

...said "education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments." They concluded the opportunity for an education "is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms." The Justices further indicated the "physical condition of the school plant" could deny this fundamental right. In 1970, Virginians by public referendum adopted a new state constitution to ensure equality of educational opportunity. Yet national and Virginia studies show the average public school facility has been allowed to age into obsolescence. Thus while Richmond's facilities are collectively more obsolete, our situation is not unique. Respected experts have long warned that students spending their public school lifetimes in such facilities suffer significant and permanent educational detriment. Dr. King famously observed a right delayed is a right denied. We, the people, have therefore chosen to lead. We believe our success can set a needed example for the nation. (b) Duty of the Mayor Not later than six months after this section becomes law, the Mayor shall formally present to the City Council a fully-funded plan to modernize the city's K-12 educational infrastructure consistent with national standards or inform City Council such a plan is not feasible. In fulfilling the duties herein, the Mayor shall consult with the School Board, City Council, consider cost savings available in state or federal law and further provide an opportunity for public participation. (c)No New or Increased Taxes The fully-funded plan required in subsection (b) cannot be based on the passage of new or increased taxes for that purpose. (d) Duty of the School Board Nothing herein shall alter powers previously given to the School Board. (e) Duty of the City Council Once the Mayor has complied with subsection (b), the City Council shall have 90 days to take such action as it deems appropriate.