About Open Book, a Podcast of Roanoke City Public Schools
Open Book is your monthly backstage pass to Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS). Hosted by Superintendent Verletta White, this podcast connects listeners with inspiring stories and transformative work within RCPS.
In each episode, join Dr. White for in-depth conversations with students, staff, experts, and community partners, gaining insights into what makes RCPS truly unique; rotating segments; and Parent/Guardian University. Open Book invites you to explore the heart of RCPS and discover the work being done to shape the future of education in Roanoke.
In Episode 3 of Open Book, Dr. White and guests discuss the importance of well-funded schools and dig into a proposed change to the City of Roanoke's longstanding school funding policy.
Segments & Guests
Current school funding policy & overview of proposed change: Roanoke School Board Chair Dr. Eli Jamison and Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Jackson (2:00)
Importance of a stable funding formula: Dr. Jamison and Dr. White (6:10)
Parent's perspective: Jessica Blandy, RCPS Parent, Teacher and President of Roanoke Central Council PTA (8:50)
How true-up funding is used: Dr. Jamison, Dr. White, Mrs. Jackson, and Mrs. Blandy (19:40)
What the research says: Dr. Jamison and Mrs. Blandy (23:30)
How the community can advocate: Mrs. Blandy (27:00)
Resources
Use the links below to access resources mentioned during this episode:
School Funding Policy (https://www.roanokeva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/124/School-Funding-Policy-PDF)
Proposed Change to School Funding Policy (https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/roacps/Board.nsf/files/D3BJQ34E06CA/$file/Joint%20Budget%20Work%20Group%20March%205%20Minutes.pdf)
Behind the Budget: (https://www.rcps.info/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=37&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=3259&PageID=1) Funding schools is an investment in students, staff, families, the city, and entire region.
RCPS Financial Reports (https://www.rcps.info/Page/259)
Northwestern University Policy Research Brief: The Benefits of Increased School Spending (https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/documents/policy-briefs/school-spending-policy-research-brief-Jackson.pdf)
University of Michigan Policy Brief: Public School Funding, School Quality, and Adult Crime (https://edpolicy.umich.edu/sites/epi/files/2022-07/school-funding-crime-brief-v10.pdf)
Questions/Feedback
Email us at info@rcps.info (mailto:info@rcps.info) to provide feedback on Open Book or ask a question.
6 Dec 2023
College and Career Readiness
On our first episode of Open Book, join Dr. White in exploring college and career readiness opportunities within Roanoke City Public Schools.
Segments & Guests
College and Career Readiness: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Hayley Poland and Director of Career & Technical Education Kathy Duncan (1:15)
Adult Education Opportunities: Adult Education Program Manager Lea DeCosta (12:33)
Applying to College: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Hayley Poland and Director of Community Engagement Corey Allder (17:40)
Resources
Use the links below to access resources mentioned during this episode
Career & Technical Education information (https://www.rcps.info/Page/154)
Applying to college resources (https://www.rcps.info/Page/1070)
Level Up (https://www.levelupvirginia.org/): College Application and Financial Aid resources
Community College Access Program (CCAP) (https://www.virginiawestern.edu/ccap/)
Hollins University HOPE Scholarship (https://hope.hollins.edu/)
FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out) (Financial Aid)
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region 5 Adult Education (https://www.regionfiveadulted.com/)
Family/Community Engagement Resources (https://www.rcps.info/domain/121)
Join your PTA (https://www.rcps.info/Page/479)
Questions/Feedback
Let us know what you think! Email us at info@rcps.info to provide feedback on Open Book.
If you have questions about college or career readiness, reach out to your student's school counselor. If you have questions about family engagement and parent involvement, email Mr. Allder at communityengagement@rcps.info.
4 Dec 2023
Making Decisions in RCPS
In Episode of 2 of Open Book, Dr. White goes behind the scenes to explore the role and process of making decisions in Roanoke City Public Schools, including public procurement, snow days, and textbook selection.
Guests
Public Procurement Process: Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Jackson and Director of Purchasing Eric Thornton (0:55)
Deciding Snow Days: Chief Operations Officer Chris Perkins (12:08)
Selecting Textbooks: Executive Director of Academics Greg Johnston (29:05)
Resources
Use the links below to access resources mentioned during this episode:
RCPS Purchasing Webpage (https://www.rcps.info/Page/262)
Virginia Public Procurement Act (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodepopularnames/virginia-public-procurement-act/#:~:text=To%20the%20end%20that%20public,public%20business%20and%20that%20no)
RCPS Inclement Weather Guidelines (https://www.rcps.info/Page/301)
Staying Connected to RCPS (https://www.rcps.info/domain/129)
English Language Arts (https://www.rcps.info/Page/155)
Provide Your Input (https://www.rcps.info/Page/330) (Opportunities to provide feedback are posted to the Provide Your Input page,
which includes textbook/curriculum opportunities)
Questions/Feedback
Email us at info@rcps.info (mailto:info@rcps.info) to provide feedback on Open Book or ask a question.
25 Oct 2023
Coming Soon: Open Book
We are excited to launch Open Book, a podcast of Roanoke City Public Schools! Hosted by Superintendent Dr. Verletta White, this podcast is your backstage pass to RCPS, where you will connect with inspiring stories and the transformative work happening within our schools.
In each episode, join Dr. White for in-depth conversations with students, staff, experts, and community partners, gaining insights into what makes RCPS truly unique. The podcast features short, rotating segments covering diverse topics, such as counseling and PTA news. Plus, don't miss "Parent/Guardian University," where we will provide practical tips and support for families navigating the educational journey.
Open Book invites you to explore the heart of RCPS and discover the work being done to shape the future of education in Roanoke.
Contact Open Book, a Podcast of Roanoke City Public Schools
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