Restoring Tradition: Ashby-Lee Elementary and Stonewall Jackson High School

Shenandoah County has officially completed the restoration of the historic names of Ashby-Lee Elementary School and Stonewall Jackson High School, marking the conclusion of a community-driven effort to reverse the previous renaming decision. The total cost of reinstating the original names amounted to $126,670.52, a fraction of the $304,000.00 spent to change the names by the 2020 School Board.

Unlike the initial renaming, which included roughly $133,000 taken from Special Education funds, the restoration was entirely funded through private donations. The Coalition for Better Schools spearheaded the fundraising campaign, ensuring that no taxpayer money was used in the process. Their dedication to preserving local heritage and responding to community sentiment made this effort possible.

The restoration costs covered signage, painting, clocks, and uniforms, with careful budgeting allowing for cost reductions in certain areas. Some signage was revitalized and reused rather than replaced, further minimizing costs. Both labor and monies were donated to help complete this project.

This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Shenandoah County residents and contributors from around the United States. Their commitment to honoring tradition and ensuring that local voices were heard has been truly inspiring. Thanks to their generosity, the schools can once again bear the names that have been part of the community for decades.

As Shenandoah County moves forward, this restoration serves as a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and the importance of preserving local heritage.