Change Magruder School's name to Bruton Elementary, York board urged
Good morning, today is Tuesday, May 20.
York County’s school board heard Monday night from citizens who want them to change the name of Magruder Elementary school because of its association with the name of Confederate General John B. Magruder.
“I believe you have no choice but to rename Magruder” said Barbara Haywood, who served on the school board 25 years. She suggested Magruder be renamed Bruton Elementary, a suggestion echoed by several other speakers.
The name of a Confederate general “no longer represents who we are,” District 2 resident Samuel Ray said.
“If he were living, I don’t think he would like me,” noted Ryan Lassiter, a 3d grader at Magruder who is black.
Eight of the 11 speakers at the school board’s regular meeting Monday night were in favor of the name change.
At a work session last week, board members asked Superintendent Victor D. Shandor to bring a proposal for how they could survey county residents about the idea, but it was not discussed Monday.
“I’d like to hear what the community says,” District 1 Representative Mark J. Shafer, in whose district the school is located, told Shandor last week.
The future of Magruder’s name has been in play since 2020, when Bruton resident Mary Lassiter and her brother Carl Lassiter began a campaign to rename Magruder Elementary as well as James Blair Middle School in Williamsburg.
Lassiter was one of the speakers Monday and also recommended changing the name to Bruton Elementary.
The school board also voted 4-1 to approve the schools’ $201 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year that starts in July.
District 5 Representative Lynda J. Fairman was the sole vote against, saying she opposed the recent tax increase on county residents.
“Throwing money at schools does not guarantee excellence and it keeps going up by millions every year,” she said.
The other four board members disagreed with Fairman’s comments.
“We are still in the bottom third of the state in per pupil spending and we have the best results,” said Shafer.
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Guest Opinion:
Our schools must prioritize career skills , not just college degrees
By Glenn Marshall, Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME)
In today’s rapidly changing job market, the urgency for equipping students with skills that prepare them for life beyond school has never been greater. Williamsburg -James City County (WJCC) and York County School Districts have an opportunity to collaborate on an educational renaissance. This initiative could enhance educational outcomes and better prepare students for careers and college.
A new generation of professionals is reshaping the traditional dichotomy between blue-collar and white-collar jobs. These modern workers combine hard and soft skills, leveraging knowledge and traits that enable them to navigate both technical and interpersonal challenges. Known for their proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as their practical, hands-on experience, these individuals are increasingly indispensable in industries such as technology, healthcare, military, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing.
This shift calls for an educational paradigm that prioritizes skill acquisition over degree attainment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 60% of new jobs between 2020 and 2030 will be in roles that do not necessarily require an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. Furthermore, a report from Jobs For The Future (JFF) highlights that 81% of employers favor hiring based on skills rather than formal educational credentials.
Career and Technical Education has proven to be a significant change in addressing dropout rates and fostering student engagement. National studies reveal that many high school dropouts (including learning challenged students like dyslexic) would have remained in school had they been offered relevant, real-world, hands-on learning opportunities. Virginia’s schools provide a compelling case study: during the 2021-2022 academic year, the CTE student graduation rate stood at an impressive 95.7%. This demonstrates the value of equipping students with practical skills and competencies that enable them to envision a clear pathway toward meaningful careers.
CTE programs offer a framework that encourages inquiry, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of how things work. For example, understanding the mechanics of a machine or the coding behind a software application can empower students to become creators and not just consumers of technology. These traits are highly valued by employers and are often the deciding factor in hiring decisions.
By benchmarking best practices, these districts can identify and replicate strategies that are yielding measurable results. Areas of focus might include:
· Curriculum Design: Sharing effective CTE curricula that align with industry needs and standards.
· Teacher Training: Developing professional development programs that equip educators to deliver hands-on, skills-based instruction.
· Industry Partnerships: Cultivating relationships with local businesses to provide internships, apprenticeships, and real-world learning opportunities.
· Student Engagement: Implementing initiatives that enhance student interest and participation in STEM and vocational programs.
· Equity and Access: Ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality CTE and STEM programs.
By working together, Williamsburg James City County (WJCC) and York County School Districts can create an educational ecosystem that not only serves their students but also strengthens the entire economic development of the region. The time to act is now—because the future of education is collaborative, skills-focused, and full of promise.
Marshall is a Williamsburg area resident who retired from Texas Instruments and serves on AME. He is dyslexic.
Memorial Day Roundup
Honoring Our Veterans:
Cedar Grove Cemetery: Local residents have an opportunity to join veterans groups in planting 600 flags on the graves of veterans in Cedar Grove Cemetery at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 22.
The memorial activity includes members from the Patrick Henry Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, Rotary Club of James City County, Salvation Army of Williamsburg, Cedar Grove Historical Society, Williamsburg Daughters of the American Revolution, Ann Wager Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and representatives from the Williamsburg Police and Fire departments and veterans.
Flags will be provided.
Williamsburg Memorial Park:
The Combined Veterans' Organization will be placing more than 1,400 flags on veterans' graves at Williamsburg Memorial Park on King William Drive Thursday, May 22 beginning at 8:30 AM.
The public is invited to help honor the veterans buried in the park.
Memorial Day Closings:
James City County:
County Offices and courts: Closed
James City County Recreation Center and Abram Frink Jr. Community Center:
Closed
Parks: All County parks are open year-round.
Park Stores and Guest Services Offices: Open
Jolly Pond Road, Tewning Road and Toano Convenience Centers: Closed
Garbage Transfer Station: Closed
Curbside Recycling: One day delay beginning with Monday, May 26. Monday’s recycling will be picked up on Tuesday. Tuesday’s recycling will be picked up on Wednesday, etc.
Libraries: Closed May 25-26
Williamsburg:
City Offices: Closed
Quarterpath Recreation Center, Waller Mill Park: normal operating hours, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Garbage: Regular schedule
Recycling collection: delayed by one day; Monday’s recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, and Tuesday’s recycling will be picked up on Wednesday.
York County:
County Offices and courts: Closed
York County Public Libraries:- Closed
Waste Management Administrative Office: Closed
Curbside garbage collections are not affected by the Memorial Day holiday. Residents are reminded to have their garbage containers at the roadside by 7 a.m.
Curbside recycling : Collections are delayed one day
Waste Management Facility including Citizen Drop Off and Recycling Center, is open
VPPSA Compost Facility: Closed
Passings
Elizabeth H. Castro, 86, May 13
Mary Ann (Kearns) Schoultz, 82, May 14.
It is unreal how long the mainstream media keeps this story going. The people have voted...stop caring less about your teachers and students, and prioritize them over these name changes!