BVPS School Board to lead discussion on names of two Bristol, VA schools with connection to Confederate generals

A conversation is planned for the upcoming Bristol, VA School Board meeting concerning the names of two of its elementary schools.

Washington Lee and Stonewall Jackson Elementary both have names connected to Confederate generals, as the renaming of places and potential removal of monuments connected to the confederate army has sparked as a hot topic across the country. Dr. Keith Perrigan, Superintendent of Bristol, VA Public Schools, says the board is taking the lead to address the school naming discussion.

“Considering the current climate that we live in across the state and across the nation, we thought it would be the best idea for our board to lead a discussion in our community about how we name our schools,” said Perrigan.

Perrigan says they have received a little community input about the names of the buildings and anticipates the board will also take the time to review the school system policy on renaming schools during its conversation. The school board is set to meet on July 6th.

Photo Courtesy: Bristol, VA Public Schools