WOODSTOCK, Va. – In a controversial decision, school board members in Virginia’s Shenandoah County voted early Friday to reinstate the names of two schools that once honored Confederate leaders. This move comes four years after the names were initially removed, sparking a heated debate among residents and board members alike.
The 5-1 vote followed a lengthy meeting that began Thursday evening, with passionate arguments presented from both sides of the issue. Vice Chairman Kyle L. Gutshall was the sole dissenting vote in the decision to restore the Confederate names.
During the meeting, a woman advocating for the restoration of the names argued that figures like Stonewall Jackson were focused on preserving the land, buildings, and lives of those under attack during the Civil War. On the other hand, Gene Kilby, the son of a Virginia civil rights activist, criticized the move to retain the Confederate names, highlighting the painful history of racism and hatred associated with them.
The controversy surrounding the school names reflects a broader trend seen across the country in recent years. Following the killing of George Floyd in 2020, many institutions have taken steps to remove Confederate symbols, monuments, and names from their premises as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and combat racism.
Nearly four years ago, the Shenandoah County School Board made the decision to rename Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby Lee Elementary School, changing them to Mountain View High School and Honey Run Elementary School. This decision was part of a resolution condemning racism and affirming the district’s commitment to fostering an inclusive school environment.
The current composition of the school board differs from that of 2020, with all six seats now held by different individuals. The recent push to restore the original school names came from a group known as The Coalition for Better Schools, prompting a reevaluation of the 2020 decision.
As discussions unfolded in a work session leading up to the vote, board members criticized the process by which the names were changed in 2020, citing a lack of public input and rushed decision-making. The debate has ignited strong emotions among parents and residents, with some advocating for honoring heritage and others emphasizing the need to move forward and prioritize the well-being of students.
The budgetary implications of restoring the school names have also been a point of contention, with estimates indicating potential costs exceeding $304,000 for changing signage, uniforms, and other related items. The decision to rely on private donations for the restoration, rather than taxpayer funds, has added another layer of complexity to the debate.
In a diverse school district serving over 5,600 students, the demographic breakdown shows a majority of White students, followed by Hispanic and Black students. With tensions running high and varied perspectives on the issue, the community remains divided as it grapples with the legacy of Confederate symbols and the path forward for its educational institutions.