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Emotional Public Meeting Over School Consolidation Plans
During an emotional public meeting at T.W. Josey High School, alumni, parents, students, and community members voiced their concerns about potential school consolidation plans. The event, which marked the first of three public input sessions, drew more than 30 participants who shared their thoughts on the district’s master plan. This plan could lead to the demolition of several schools this year, including T.W. Josey High School and Murphy Middle School.
The proposed changes include transforming T.W. Josey and Murphy into a modern district-wide college and career academy. Other aspects of the plan involve demolishing Barton Chapel Elementary School to build a new school, closing Jenkins White Elementary School, and implementing a new redistricting map to consolidate schools further.
Alumni Advocate for Preservation of T.W. Josey’s Legacy
Alumni of T.W. Josey High School are actively advocating for the preservation of the school’s name as the Richmond County School District considers its rebuilding plans. T.C. Edwards, a 1980 graduate, expressed her deep connection to the school, stating, “I would not be who I am, what I am, had it not been for T.W. Josey.” Sheffie Robinson, president of the T.W. Josey Alumni Foundation, emphasized that the school helped students who were unsure of their future become prominent individuals.
“I don’t think that a lot of board members truly understand how that school helped so many kids,” Robinson said. While she supports the educational vision of the Master Plan, she strongly opposes any potential name change. “I tell people all the time. I was born in Augusta, but I was raised in T.W Josey,” Robinson added.
Calls for Transparency and Clarity
Many alumni have expressed a desire for transparency regarding the decision about the school’s name. Shonta Bradley, a 1994 graduate, stated, “We are looking for transparency. We want someone that’s honest and we don’t want a bunch of numbers. We want a black and white, a yes or no answer.” For Bradley, the debate extends beyond the physical structure of the school. “It’s more than a building. It is the legacy and the history that we feel like is being erased,” she explained.
School Board Emphasizes Community Input
Richmond County School Board President Shawnda Stovall clarified that no final decision has been made about the school’s future. “We are here because we want to hear your ideas,” she said during the community meeting. The school district did not take direct comments after the meeting but assured the public that they are listening to community input.
“A proposal is an idea, and if everybody has an idea about the proposal, then let’s work together to find a better idea,” Stovall said. She emphasized that no final decision has been made about the school’s future or its name, and the purpose of these meetings is to gather community ideas before the board votes in February.
Stovall also noted that the board has raised similar questions as the public, including addressing safety, student mix between neighborhoods, and staffing. She stressed that the board cannot spend funds outside state rules and encouraged anyone to review the district’s annual audits.
Rich History and Legacy of T.W. Josey
T.W. Josey holds a special place in the hearts of many alumni. Sheffie Robinson, who attended T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School, shared fond memories of her time there, including the school’s state championship win during her freshman year when she was a member of the band. “So, I’m there. All 15 games. It was an amazing time. Worked with many of the teachers to start organizations. We started the Eagle Etiquette Society. The National Honor Society was really fun,” Robinson recalled.
Built during the 1960s as an all-Black school, T.W. Josey later became one of the first to integrate. The school was named after Thomas Walter Josey, a prominent Black medical doctor and philanthropist. “I’m an educator myself. So, I know the importance a CTAE education has, but I don’t want to sacrifice legacy to do that,” Robinson said.
Donna Heard, a 1995 graduate, highlighted the historical significance of the school. “It’s our history. It’s a legacy. Thomas Walter Josey was a legacy the same as Lucy Craft Laney was a legacy. This is the second black school that was in Richmond County,” Heard stated.
Michelle Jacobs, who graduated in 1984, described T.W. Josey as a comprehensive high school with college prep and vocational classes. “In 1984, T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School wasn’t just name only, we had everything that made it a comprehensive high school,” Jacobs said.
District Outlines Transformation Plans
Haley Lacuesta, director of media and public relations for the district, outlined the transformation plans for the campus. “The plan being discussed is a transformation of the Josey-Murphey campus into a modern, districtwide College and Career Academy — a 21st-century workforce engine designed to give students access to high-tech labs and high-quality, in-demand career pathways,” Lacuesta said.
Sheffie Robinson expressed concern over the mention of a naming committee in the proposal, fearing that it could lead to a name change. “We don’t need a naming committee just leave the name the same,” Robinson said.
Upcoming Meetings and Vote
Two additional public input meetings are scheduled. The next meeting is set for January 26 at 6 p.m. at Barton Chapel Elementary School, followed by another on January 27 at the Richmond County District Central Office at 864 Broad Street. The school board is expected to vote on the master plan on February 10.
The school district reiterated its commitment to community engagement, stating: “We’re thankful to everyone who came out tonight to share their thoughts on the future of our schools. We heard from students, staff, alumni and community as they shared what Thomas Walter Josey means to them. Our Board and our school system is listening, learning, and grateful to our community for engaging in difficult conversation with us. We will continue to gather feedback and ideas from our community prior to the February 10 vote and encourage the community to visit our website at rcboe.org/masterplan for more information.”
Naming Committee Required by Policy
Lacuesta mentioned that the formation of a naming committee is required by district policy implemented in July. “If the Board votes to move forward on Feb. 10, district policy requires the formation of a naming committee, ensuring the community has a direct voice in honoring the campus’s history while opening new doors for student success,” Lacuesta said. No decision has been made about the school’s name, and no announcement has been made that there will be no association to T.W. Josey.
Three public input sessions are scheduled. The first is set for Thursday at T.W. Josey at 6 p.m.