RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond City Council members have joined the fight to keep the school district’s virtual academy funded. During a Richmond City Council meeting on Monday, April 13, councilmembers Reva Trammell and Kenya Gibson proposed amendments to fund the “Richmond Virtual Academy. ” The program, better known as "RVA", started back in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and was funded through relief dollars. However, the school system says it needs to make changes like closing the virtual academy and keeping up with the school system's other commitments like salaries and transportation. After backlash, the school board voted to add the academy back in, before sending the plan to Mayor Danny Avula. However, Avula's proposed budget falls short of funding RVA. PREVIOUS: Richmond proposes record-breaking funding for its schools — but it’s still not enough to cover costs Several teachers and parents pleaded with council members to keep the program going. This includes Adam Rose, who’s had two children participate in RVA and said it’s helped them for the better. “My son was the valedictorian in 2024 -- he is thriving at VCU right now,” Rose said. “My daughter went from not being able to attend in-person school to getting from our state delegate, an honor roll of all A's this semester. She's on the student advisory council for RPS, so it's just been a 180-degree change.” Councilwoman Kenya Gibson is pushing to add $4 million, while Trammell is requesting $1.8 million for RVA to stay open. “I think it's wrong. I'm going to support this 100%,” Trammell said. “When those teachers and parents spoke last night, it just tore my heart. They need this, the schooling. You know, they’re part of Richmond Public Schools.” PREVIOUS: ‘Please, please, please give the money,' Richmond school advocates push for more funding for 2026-27 Gibson provided a statement on the need for the virtual academy: “The Richmond Virtual Academy is an incredible program that should be a model for urban school districts throughout the country. This school serves a high needs population with a higher percentage of students with special needs than in our traditional schools. They have truly beat the odds and are a life line for many students and their families. I’m encouraged that some of my colleagues have expressed support for saving Richmond Virtual Academy and I look forward to continuing to discuss and fight for RVA students, families, and staff during our upcoming budget meetings.“ The current proposal includes $257 million for RPS — the largest investment in the division’s history. It’s an $8.2 million increase over RPS’ 2025-26 budget. Discussions will continue at the next budget meeting on Wednesday, April. 15 at 1 p.m. in the council chambers. ...read more read less