About BBRPS

BBRPS is a community based effort to bring change to the Richmond Public Schools through projects, fundraising, experiences and support of our students and teachers.

Building a Better RPS incorporated as a non-stock corporation in May of 2016. The Richmond Public School system has faced many problems over the years that the School Board and parent organizations have been trying to fix; one being the lack of funding, which affects the quality of the facilities, materials being used, and programs for students.

The BBRPS organization was created by two members of The Scott Garnett Team, 2 RPS teachers, and a Richmond private school teacher. The idea started on the Fox Elementary School playground after we continually heard parents and community members asking how they could help the school. We recognized the power of bringing groups of people together, as well as organizing fundraisers, and knew we could create a real solution. 

Our group began fundraising through events such as “Take a Bite Out of the Budget” and “Raise a Pint for the Kids”, hosted at local restaurants and breweries throughout Richmond. We also organized local community

partners to adopt schools within the district, allowing them to be involved with the renovations. Our partners consist of generous members of faith-based groups, businesses, VCU, and neighborhood associations who share the same passion that we do about our schools. 

We began our first BBRPS season with a landscaping and fix-up blitz on all RPS High Schools and specialty schools with hundreds of volunteers assisting with cleaning, weeding, mulching, trimming shrubs, mowing lawns, and planting flowers. We were also able to begin upgrading schools to LED lighting and replace damaged ceiling tiles. With the help of local restaurants, breweries, and small businesses we were able to raise about $20,000 in cash during our first summer, which allowed us to pay for all of the needed materials for our projects, from tools to mulch, paint, LED bulbs, and cleaning and painting supplies.

Thanks to our fundraising efforts, BBRPS has helped improve over 30 schools within the RPS district. Projects include landscaping, gymnasium and bathroom renovations, mural projects, wall painting, ceiling tile replacements, and even a holiday makeover for an elementary school. To date, we have completed close to $300,000 worth of upgrades to the Richmond Public School System and have organized a number of programs for students to participate in.