RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones implemented a task force to help the city’s schools close its $24 million dollar deficit.
However, some parents are wondering if that was the right move.
One parent, Barbara Haas, says she is worried the city is playing politics with her child’s education. “It shouldn’t have to be a fight. It shouldn’t have to be a battle,” says Haas.
Haas tells CBS 6 that the school system’s financial troubles should have been no surprise to the mayor and goes on to say the city should have worked in collaboration with school leaders months ago.
The task force has two and a half weeks remaining to help close the school district’s deficit.
“It’s going to be very intense. It’s going to be time-consuming,” says chair of the task force, Jim Dyke.
Dyke tells CBS 6 that they aren’t just reviewing the school district’s budget, but also, the city’s finances to see if any services can be consolidated.
For example, one recommendation Dyke provided is to have GRTC help with transporting students.
Task force members will present their recommendations to city council members on April 19.
