Under the leadership of Superintendent Yolonda Brown, Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) is embarking on a transformative journey to bolster its financial infrastructure. As she transitioned into her role in mid-2024, Brown initiated a comprehensive financial assessment to gain a deeper understanding of the district's challenges and opportunities. This evaluation, conducted by Alvarez & Marsal, aims to establish a robust financial foundation for PCPS.
The findings from this assessment will serve as a pivotal guide for achieving long-term financial stability within the school district. Over the past six months, PCPS has made significant strides in addressing immediate financial hurdles. The district plans to build on this momentum with continuous support from Alvarez & Marsal, ensuring that the finance team receives ongoing technical assistance. Strengthening financial health has been a top priority since the beginning of Brown's tenure. She remains dedicated to enhancing systems and controls, promoting excellence, efficiency, and transparency in all financial operations.
Brown's initiatives have led to several key improvements. Leadership capacity has been bolstered with the appointment of a permanent Chief Financial Officer and senior budget analyst, stabilizing the financial management team. Financial oversight has been tightened through reinstated manual position control protocols and automated workflows for various administrative tasks. Budgeting and cash flow management have also seen enhancements, with detailed processes being implemented to ensure accuracy and strategic alignment. Additionally, federal fund compliance has been prioritized, and policy and training initiatives are underway to formalize procedures across critical areas.
These changes reflect a cultural and operational shift towards greater accountability and adherence to established protocols. By emphasizing compliance and providing comprehensive training, PCPS is fostering an environment where financial integrity and efficiency thrive. This commitment to improvement sets the stage for a brighter future, ensuring that students receive the high-quality education they need and deserve.