OUR MISSION
The mission of Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation is to partner with Richmond Public Schools to actively develop philanthropic resources and community relationships that support the goal to improve student learning and achievement in preparation for success in college, career, and community.
Our History
Richmond Public Schools (RPS) serves nearly 22,000 students and in 53 schools. Although RPS has much to celebrate, it is faced with limited resources. Through fundraising efforts and collaborations, the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation (RPSEF) seeks private contributions for RPS needs that do not receive adequate public funds.
The Foundation was created in 2001 and completed a restructuring process in 2010 resulting in the hiring of its first executive director. Since then, RPSEF has launched enrichment programs for students, increased the number of college scholarships offered, supported professional development for teachers, and increased student participation in programs such as robotics competitions and Model United Nations.
With the release of the RPS Dreams4RPS strategic plan in early 2019, RPSEF began its most recent transformation from an organization that both raised funds for the schools and operated, to one focused on major gifts fundraising for Dreams4RPS priorities. A critical element of this shift was to move out of direct program operation. In late 2020, the RPSEF transitioned its RVA Future College and Career advising program to RPS. At the end of 2020, RPSEF ended its TechConnect after-school program.
Concurrent to these transitions, RPSEF has worked with RPS leadership to identify fundraising priorities within Dreams4RPS and to build a campaign to address these priorities. RPSEF's fundraising priorities are focused on RPS200, literacy, language justice, CTE, and teacher retention and recruitment.
In Richmond Public Schools there are smart, creative teachers, dedicated staff, and a superintendent who is a strategic, visionary leader. But they can’t do it alone. The Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation enriches the school experience of students so they will graduate ready to go to college…ready to pursue a career…ready to be engaged members of our community.
Board & Staff
Board of Trustees
David Mills, Chair, David Mills LLC
Dr. Thad Williamson, Vice Chair University of Richmond
Wendy Lewis, Treasurer, KPMG
Dr. Genevieve Siegel-Hawley, Secretary, Virginia Commonwealth University
Kathy Burcher, Adventus Strategies
Matt Conrad, Virginia Commonwealth University
Rev. Dr. Emanuel Harris, Jerusalem Baptist Church
Dr. Megan Healy, George Mason University
Carlos Hopkins, Gentry Locke
Dr. Jose Morey, Ad Astra Media
Rupa Murthy, YWCA Richmond
Ex-Officio Members
Jason Kamras, RPS Superintendent
Stephanie Rizzi, RPS School Board Chair
Liz Doerr, RPS School Board Vice-Chair
Staff
Taikein Cooper, Executive Director
Tracy Brower, Deputy Executive Director
Todd Sutler, Special Projects Manager
FINANCIALS
Transparency is a core value of the RPS Education Foundation. Without the trust of our Donors and the Public at large, we cannot effectively serve our students. Below are our most recent financial statements as well as links to past years.
Audited Financials
IRS Filings
ABOUT RPS
Richmond Public Schools (RPS) proudly serves approximately 22,000 amazing students in preschool through grade 12.
Grounded by three core values - equity, engagement and excellence - and guided by the strategic plan, Dreams4RPS, RPS is committed to creating schools that are engines of opportunities for ALL of our children and building a school division that actively fights against systemic injustices and institutionalized racism.
Dreams4RPS, the division’s five-year strategic plan was created after engaging over 3,000 students, families, teachers, administrators, support staff and community members during 170 meetings. The plan was adopted by the School Board in September 2018 and is grounded in five strategic priorities:
Exciting and Rigorous Teaching and Learning
Skilled and Supported Staff
Safe and Loving School Cultures
Deep Partnership with Families and Community
Modern Systems and Infrastructure