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August 3 Newsletter: Anna Julia Cooper School continues to grow

Weather: Sporadic rain continues, high of 83.

On this date in 1955, the estate of Richard S. Reynolds Sr., former chairman of Reynolds Metals, is revealed to be worth $12.78 million, the largest ever in Richmond. (That would be equivalent to $155 million today.)

Today's newsletter sponsored by Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond, helping girls grow strong and resilient while supporting families every step of the way. Learn more at gotrrichmond.org.

Anna Julia Cooper School founder retires; school he started keeps growing

The Anna Julia Cooper School started 17 years ago in a two-story house in Richmond's East End.

Today, the school has grown into a neighborhood institution, offering a tuition-free, faith-based, private-school experience to students living in some of Richmond’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

Mike Maruca, the founding head of school, retired last month, just as the school cut the ribbon on a brand-new, $14 million building — the latest addition to a campus that has spread across three buildings. Read more here.

Bridging Virginia wants nonprofits to rethink debt; new loan guarantee program provides easier access

Leah Fremouw points out that for many businesses and large corporations, the use of debt to grow is considered a good thing.

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“Unfortunately, nonprofits don't use debt because we're kind of told not to or we think it's a bad sign that we now have to borrow money when we're used to raising money from donors and grants,” she said. “But, you know, you ask a for-profit business, and it's a great moment when they can borrow money instead of bootstrapping.” 

Bridging Virginia currently has signed commitment letters from three participating philanthropic organizations with a 10-year commitment period: Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, Robins Foundation and the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond.  Read more here.

Cleanup is underway at the Shoosmith landfill. Who will foot the $173 million bill?

Who will pay for a $173 million cleanup effort that could span three decades?

The state has budgeted $10.6 million for Year 1 of the cleanup effort, but future money remains uncertain.

One potential funding source is actually coming from within the landfill. Solid waste expels gas, which can contain a high enough concentration of methane to burn. This gas can be collected and then sold. Read more here.

RPS uses summer vacation to conduct repairs at 10 schools

Superintendent Jason Kamras (left) and School Board members greeted returning students as the district's 200-day schools reopened last Monday.

Over the summer, construction is taking place at 10 schools across the city, with projects varying from playground repairs to carpet installation and painting, costing the division about $2.5 million. 

Maymont Preschool, Richmond Community High and Frances McClenney Elementary received roof replacements, the biggest items of the summer. Read more here.

An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders.

Jim Bailey helps prisoners make the most of their fresh start

When Jim Bailey decided he wanted to give back to the community, he didn’t simply want to volunteer somewhere.

“It had to be something gritty,” he said. “Something with some hair on it.” 

That’s how the corporate attorney at Williams Mullen came to serve in prison ministry, teaching regular classes at State Farm Correctional Center in Goochland. 

“We learn what a credit score is,” he said. “We talk about mortgages. We really discuss anything financial that you or I were taught from college or parents. It’s really sort of the basics of personal finance.” Read more here.

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Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. Ticket info is here; our donors get $30 off!

Today's sponsor:

More Than a Run: How Girls on the Run Builds Confidence and Connection

As parents navigate growing concerns around girls’ confidence and mental health, Girls on the Run Greater Richmond offers a trusted source of support across the region. By blending physical activity with meaningful lessons, each practice builds self-esteem, kindness, and decision-making skills, helping girls better understand themselves and their place in the world.

At the heart of the program are inspiring volunteer coaches who show up consistently and with care, creating a space where every girl feels seen, valued, and capable of more than she imagined. Each season ends with a celebratory 5K that gives girls a powerful sense of accomplishment, while the life lessons they gain stay with them long after the finish line. Learn more here.

In other news

The editor's desk

Friday marked the end of our summer season, and we're excited to send intern Haidyn Brockelman off to a full-time job in Williamsburg. Brockelman and Ned Oliver, who also joined us for the summer, left behind stories you'll enjoy in the days and weeks to come.

Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org

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