The Richmond School Board held a public forum this evening at Armstrong High School to present and take comments on their “New Direction for RPS” planning as of yet. In attendance were board members Keith West and Chandra Smith, and RPS Superintendent Dr.Jewell-Sherman.

The presentation began with an acknowledgement of the progress that Richmond Public Schools have made over the past 3 years. In that time, the percentage of students taking AP classes has increased from .97% to 5.2%, the percentage of schools making AYP has increased form 23% to 84%, the percentage of schools that are SOL -accredited has improved from 19% to 86%, and the number of students dual enrolled has jumped from 241 to 1253. West said that these are major steps, but we are still not where we need to be.

He then delved into the basic tenets of the board’s “new direction”. He explained that with an emphasis on “developing the whole person”, the schools can ensure that students have the mental, physical, and ethical capabilities necessary to succeed after graduation (a notion first floated at the September Mayor