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We are Pocahontas Proponents. We want to:

  • Help the public understand the historic importance of this location and find a feasible way to move forward to save these buildings from intended demolition
  • Insist on sound financial sense that is responsive to the taxpayers of this small county and does not needlessly dispose of valuable public assets
  • Be sure of the environmental impact of buildings containing mold and asbestos, ensuring toxins are mitigated properly and will not harm people who live and work nearby
  • Understand and agree on a sensible plan for the future of the site before destroying what cannot be replaced

 

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In June of 2025, the Powhatan County School Board voted to demolish several of the buildings within the Pocahontas Landmark Center complex. These structures are part of the former Pocahontas Middle School, and prior to that, they were the county's first and only school that served all of Powhatan's Black students. The facility has not been used as a school since 2018.

The targeted buildings have fallen into severe disrepair. Mold, asbestos and exposure to the elements are just some of the problems. But demolition does not appear to be the only plan and is likely not even the best plan. It appears that an investment in rehabilitating and repurposing the buildings will yield a savings of tens of millions of dollars for county residents and have the added benefit of preserving and promoting significant history related to school integration. Yet, demolition is the only plan most county leaders have been willing to consider, despite requests from thousands of residents, taxpayers, alumni and other stakeholders for them to take a more thorough and responsible approach.

Part of the complex, the original 1937 high school building and a recent addition, which includes a gymnasium and the African American Cultural Arts Museum, are exempt from the demolition plans. The high school building, which was Powhatan’s first countywide public school for Black students, has a marker in front, designating it an historic site. But other buildings, which were added in stages after 1937, may be considered historic, as well, and these are in jeopardy.


The Powhatan Board of Supervisors has requested that the school board relinquish ownership of the property to allow time to study the feasibility of rehabilitating and repurposing the structures. The school board, by a margin of 3-2 has thus far refused to change course. They are seeking a permit to begin demolition at a cost of nearly a million dollars and possibly more.


There is an open invitation for those who care about the fate of Pocahontas to speak up. With a petition that has more than 1000 signatures from residents, alumni and other stakeholders, there is clearly disagreement with demolition plans. Yet, the school board members intent on tearing down these properties have not heard the opposition loudly enough or clearly enough to be dissuaded.

THE IMPASSE

Approximately half the buildings that comprise what is now considered the Pocahontas Landmark Center complex are earmarked for demolition.


THE HISTORY 

1937- Powhatan’s first Black high school opens and is later renamed Pocahontas High School.


THE DOLLARS AND SENSE 

The county's assessed value of the full complex at Pocahontas is shy of $11 million. That's inclusive of the new gymnasium, which also houses the Powhatan African American Cultural Arts Museum. 


THE OPPORTUNITY 

There are a number of similar situations throughout the country and throughout the state of Virginia where schools of historic value have been saved—rehabilitated and repurposed.


WHAT YOU CAN DO

Let’s connect:

Sign and share the petition:  https://c.org/Y5NdJnmT9L


Let us know, using the email address below, if you would like a paper copy of the petition to help us gather signatures from people who are not likely to sign online but who want to save Pocahontas.


Take our survey here:

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8Z6THHY

 

Write to us to share your thoughts. If you live in Powhatan or within ten miles of the county, you may write to request a Save Pocahontas yard sign:  
 
mythoughts@savepocahontas.com

 

Share your contact information within the survey and/or in the electronic form below, so that we may keep you informed. In the first box, write your connections to Pocahontas, e.g. county resident, county taxpayer, alumni, history protector, etc.

 

Also, please tell these board members exactly what’s on your mind:

Speak directly to the school board members who have remained set on demolition--

Susan Smith District 2 susan.smith@powhatan.k12.va.us 804 598 4943

Jeanne Wade District 3 jeanne.wade@powhatan.k12.va.us 804 718 1067

James Taylor District 4 jtaylor@powhatan.k12.va.us 804 727 9175

And the two school board members who have voted against demolition—

Vicki Hurt District 1 vicki.hurt@powhatan.k12.va.us 804-869-8920

Michele Ward District 5 michele.ward@powhatan.k12.va.us 804-898-7848

 

Powhatan School Board

4920 Anderson Highway

Powhatan, Virginia 23139

 

Reach out to the Board of Supervisors and please express your preferences and concerns in advance of their September 22nd vote on this matter:

William (Bill) Donati, Jr. District 1 bdonati@powhatanva.gov 804- 898-1701

Steve McClung District 2 smcclung@powhatanva.gov 804-892-4268

Robert (Bob) Powers District 3 rpowers@powhatanva.gov 804-898-1973

Mark Kinney District 4 mkinney@powhatanva.gov 804-898-0449

Denise Morrissette District 5 dmorrissette@powhatanva.gov 804-898-0387

 

Powhatan Board of Supervisors

3830 Old Buckingham Road

Powhatan, Virginia 23139

 

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