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Building a Better RPS raises $20,000 during Summer

Posted at 11:26 PM, Sep 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-05 23:26:03-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- What started as a movement to rally for more funding for Richmond Public Schools last year has now developed into a non-profit called Building a Better RPS.

"We kind of got involved with some parents out of the Support Our Schools movement who came to us and said 'hey, we've seen a lot of the positive coming out of the community and what can we do as parents and community members,'" said Keri Treadway, a teacher in Richmond Public Schools.

Treadway is also on the board for Building a Better RPS.

Through Building a Better RPS, hundreds have volunteered their time to clean up Richmond schools.

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"Over the summer months when everyone's out on vacation, people are coming out to schools to mulch and pull weeds, and replace ceiling tiles," said RPS teacher Jen Ramachandran. Like Treadway, Ramachandran also serves on the Building a Better RPS board.

The organization has also raised around $20,000 for RPS just this summer.

They've paired up with restaurants and different breweries in the area.

The money raised has been going towards work like landscaping and cleaning up the appearance of the schools.

"On the inside we've done things like buy energy efficient LED light bulbs, replaced tiles that were either missing or moldy," said Treadway.

Building a Better RPS

And while they know this money isn't making up for all the funding needed, it's a way to show just how much this city cares about Richmond Public Schools.

"To see the community step up and say well it's time for all of us to work together, and that's what building a better RPS is all about," said Ramachandran.

For the month of September, Conch Republic in Richmond is partnering with Building a Better RPS to raise money for Richmond schools.

According to the event, simply donate $10 for 10% off, or $20 for 20% off your food order. Your server will put your donation and your discount on your bill.

All proceeds go to Build a Better RPS.

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