Richmond’s Armstrong High will be renamed in 2027 after surprise vote

In an unexpected turn of events, the Richmond School Board unanimously voted Tuesday night to rename Armstrong High School to Armstrong-Kennedy High School, effective July 2027. 

Richmond’s East End previously had two high schools, Armstrong High and Kennedy High, but in 2004 consolidated operations. The new school took Armstrong’s name, which dates back to 1865, but used Kennedy’s building.

A group of Kennedy alumni have lobbied since then for the reinstatement of the Kennedy name.

The Board was originally not set to vote on the matter, but instead approve a recommendation from the administration to keep the name, and remember Kennedy High through other measures, like installing a display case with its memorabilia. The Board approved those other measures in addition to the renaming.

“This is an opportunity for inclusiveness,” said Board member Cheryl Burke, who represents the 7th District where the school resides.

Superintendent Jason Kamras said the name change would cost about $100,000, which would allow for new signage on the building and new uniforms for the sports teams, but he cautioned that an exact estimate was not available.

For Shonda Harris-Muhammed (6th District), it was an opportunity to put the issue to rest once and for all.

“I’m ready for some closure,” she said. “I think both entities are ready for some closure.”

Board member Matthew Percival (1st District) expressed support for the name change, but questioned whether the vote should occur, asking whether the district’s policy on changing a school name was followed. Stephanie Rizzi (5th District) also asked if not fully following the procedure could create precedent for other potential school renamings. 

Superintendent Jason Kamras said that while the procedure was not exactly followed, the meetings and community engagement held “does meet the spirit if not the substance of the policy.” 

The board ultimately voted to waive that policy, noting that Armstrong’s name was not being changed for reasons of controversy (Samuel Armstrong was a Union general), but for reasons of inclusiveness.

“I think a yes vote pushes back against the censorship of our history,” said Board member Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District).

Members of the John F. Kennedy High School Alumni and Friends previously told the Board that the memories of the school have been erased ever since the then School Board decided to name the school Armstrong High in 2004 after it merged with the Kennedy. 

“If you came to Richmond you wouldn't even know that a John F. Kennedy High School existed,” said Charles Willis, a 1978 graduate of the school, at the July meeting. 

After that meeting a survey was distributed, which showed that a majority of students wanted to keep the current name, but a majority of Kennedy alumni and community members wanted to change it.

Members of the Kennedy alumni group spoke before Tuesday’s meeting, and were visibly emotional after the vote passed.

Officials also recommended creating a John F. Kennedy Alumni Week, continuing the group’s annual Back-to-School Drive, or ensuring that the association continues to award annual scholarships to current Armstrong students. 

The board celebrated the unanimous decision, which will take effect in about a year and a half.

“This is a historic vote,” said Board member Emmett Jafari (8th District).

Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at vifatusin@richmonder.org