J.E.B. Stuart Name Change Issue
Dear Friends,
The School Board
is preparing to make decisions this month on the suggestion to change the name
of J.E.B. Stuart High School, and I wanted to update you.
My colleagues and
I have received hundreds of emails and have had many conversations and
meetings on this subject. During the past school year, an Ad Hoc Committee
created by the school system met to consider the pros and cons of a name
change, provided opportunities for more public engagement, and considered
financing options. FCPS held a community meeting on the issue in May 2016, and
Ad Hoc Committee subcommittees held two town hall meetings in May 2017 to gain
more public input on the question.
At the end of May
2017, Ad Hoc subcommittees produced seven reports totaling more than 500
pages. The reports were delivered to the Interim Superintendent and then to the
School Board. The Board heard from committee members, both pro and con, and
on June 12 discussed the issue at a work session that lasted more than five
hours. At that meeting, the Board decided it needed more time to consider the
issue. As a result, another work session was scheduled for Monday, July 17,
with the Board’s vote on the issue scheduled for the July 27, 2017,
regular meeting.
After reading
historical documents and considering the arguments presented from both sides, I
continue to believe this high school should have a name that is more reflective
and respectful of a diverse community, rather
than one that pays tribute to a man whose legacy is almost exclusively bound to
his service to the Confederacy and all it stood for. Inclusion and equity are fundamental principles of Fairfax
County Public Schools.
My colleagues and
I are working on next steps, and on Monday we will discuss proposed motions.
The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled to start at 1:30 pm at
the Gatehouse Administration Center, Room 1600.
There are very
strong feelings within our community for and against a name change as well as
throughout Fairfax County and beyond. The most frequent concern and objection
raised is about cost and the burden on the school system, PTSA or boosters. I
would like to see us pursue private funding for the change and provide the time
necessary to do so.
More background on this issue can be found here: J.E.B. Stuart High School Name Change Proposal
If you would like to comment or make suggestions, please
email at ssevans@fcps.edu. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Sandy
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