James City County residents debate renaming Blair Middle School amid budget concerns

The Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School Board held a regular meeting on April 15, 2025, addressing significant community concerns regarding the potential renaming of James Blair Middle School and the status of lacrosse as a varsity sport.

The meeting began with public comments, where several residents expressed their views on the proposed renaming of James Blair Middle School. Mike Joseph, a James City County resident, urged the board to discontinue the renaming process, citing survey results indicating that a majority of the community opposed the change. He emphasized that the low participation rate in the survey did not accurately reflect the community's opinion and suggested that the funds allocated for the renaming could be better spent on pressing educational needs.

Karen Burkesickle followed, acknowledging the historical context of James Blair's legacy while arguing that renaming the school could address historical injustices. She highlighted the importance of correcting past wrongs without erasing history. Richard Timberlake echoed concerns about the financial implications of the renaming, questioning the board's priorities amid ongoing educational challenges.

The discussion then shifted to lacrosse, with numerous students and community members advocating for the sport to be recognized as a Virginia High School League (VHSL) sport. Eric Buckle, a coach, and several student athletes shared personal stories about the impact of lacrosse on their lives and the barriers they face as a club sport. They argued that official recognition would provide greater opportunities for scholarships and visibility, allowing talented players to compete at higher levels.

Students like Anthony Lizzuri and Logan Hillstrom emphasized the need for lacrosse to be treated equally to other varsity sports, citing the lack of recognition and funding as significant obstacles. Many speakers highlighted the community's passion for lacrosse and the potential benefits of making it a VHSL sport, including increased participation and support for young athletes.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to consider the community's input seriously, particularly regarding the renaming of James Blair Middle School and the future of lacrosse in the school system. The board is expected to deliberate on these issues in upcoming sessions, with community members eager for a resolution that reflects their voices and priorities.