Richmond board votes to rename Armstrong High School 'Armstrong–Kennedy' and waives naming-policy formalities
Summary
After months of community input and alumni appeals, the Richmond Public Schools board voted Dec. 2 to rename Armstrong High School 'Armstrong–Kennedy High School,' approve a historic marker for John F. Kennedy and waive portions of Policy 6-2.9; the change is effective July 2027. The vote followed debate on whether the board had followed naming procedures and multiple public comments urging restoration of 'Kennedy.'
The Richmond Public Schools board voted Dec. 2 to rename Armstrong High School as Armstrong–Kennedy High School, approving installation of a John F. Kennedy historic marker and display cases honoring both schools' histories.
Board member Miss Burke moved the renaming, proposing the new marquee name and museum-style displays. "I move that Armstrong High School be renamed as Armstrong Kennedy High School effective July," she said during debate before restating the motion with explicit language waiving Policy 6-2.9 and setting the effective date as July 2027.
The proposal prompted extended discussion about procedural requirements in the board’s naming policy. Vice Chair Mister Percival said he supported the change but wanted assurance the board had followed the district’s naming policy and community-engagement steps. Legal counsel advised the board it could interpret its own policy or vote to waive formalities if it chose. "The school board has the authority to interpret its own policy," counsel said, adding that the board may also adopt a motion that expressly waives procedural formalities.
Supporters, including Mister Jafari and Mister Hedgepeth, characterized the move as a way to honor both legacies and to respond to long-running community advocacy. "One gave the building. The other gave the legacy," Mister Jafari said, urging the board to "move forward and heal." Opponents and cautious members sought clarity about the policy steps taken and asked that any omission be documented and defensible.
Public commenters had focused heavily on the issue earlier in the meeting. Alumni and community members urged the board to restore the Kennedy name or to include Kennedy in the building’s name. Dennis Mallory and William McGee both told the board they expected the name to be added back after prior meetings with administrators, and Charles Willis said meeting notes did not reflect what participants had agreed upon.
The board ultimately adopted Miss Burke’s restated motion — which accepted the administration’s recommendation and included language waiving Policy 6-2.9 — by voice vote. The clerk recorded yes votes from Mister Percival, Miss Ricard, Mister Farooq, Mister Hedgepeth, Miss Rizzi, Doctor Harris Mohammed, Miss Burke, Mister Jafari and Miss Fernandez; the chair announced the motion passed.
Administration previously estimated the minimum cost for signage, uniforms, historical marker and other changes at roughly $100,000. The board directed staff to implement the change and to document steps taken under the policy, and members discussed communications and signage timing ahead of the July 2027 effective date.
