The Richmond City School Board unanimously voted to bring back Armstrong-Kennedy High School, restoring a name that celebrates the legacy of the merged schools.

The renaming was unexpectedly proposed by 7th District Representative Cheryl Burke on Tuesday as the board reviewed RPS administration recommendations aimed at honoring Kennedy High’s history.

“It shouldn’t be a battle, it shouldn’t be a contest,” Burke said. “This is an opportunity for inclusiveness.”

The building was renamed the Armstrong-Kennedy High School complex from 1979 to 1986 after the two schools combined, with a new mascot and school colors at the former Kennedy High school building at 2300 Cool Lane.

When Armstrong and Kennedy merged again in 2004 due to decreasing enrollment and increasing operational costs for both schools, the School Board voted to use the Kennedy building but retain only the Armstrong name, its original school colors and Wildcat mascot.

Burke introduced her motion after Kennedy alumni and former faculty urged the board to rename the school, raising concerns over the administration’s recommendation to keep the Armstrong name. 

Alumni and former faculty said the recommendation did not reflect the information they were given or feedback they shared in a November meeting about preserving Kennedy High’s legacy. Kennedy alumni have long pushed for the renaming. 

“I had the opportunity, the pleasure of working in that same building under both names,” said William McGee, who served as a Kennedy faculty member and Armstrong administrator. “I know that the students that I taught from John F. Kennedy High School are hoping to see the name of Kennedy associated with that building.” 

Some board members expressed concerns over the legal, financial and policy implications of the renaming. After consulting their attorney, the board chose to waive the usual policy requirements. 

“This is what happens when the community comes together,” Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez said after the vote. “Tonight, it was a win-win.” 

The approved changes, including a marker on the grounds and display cases honoring Kennedy’s legacy, will take effect in July 2027. RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras estimates the updates could cost about $100,000.