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. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder)

With students out on summer break, Richmond Public Schools used that time to make upgrades to its buildings ahead of the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

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.

Students at schools like Maymont Preschool, Richmond Community High and Frances McClenney Elementary schools can expect to see major renovations, specifically roof replacements. These projects make up a bulk of the cost – $897,000, $769,300 and $340,000 respectively.

The division usually uses the summertime to make updates to the facilities, as some projects can be difficult to conduct while students and staff are on site.

Alyssa Schwenk, communications director for RPS, said that projects are prioritized based on risks to safety and immediacy.

More school construction projects will take place throughout the upcoming school year.

See the full list below: