Divided Leadership: Powhatan Board Seeks Control of Pocahontas Landmark Center

Ongoing Debate Over the Fate of Pocahontas Landmark Center

The ongoing discussion about the partial demolition of the Pocahontas Landmark Center (PLC) in Powhatan County has sparked a heated debate among local officials, residents, and community leaders. The Powhatan Board of Supervisors (BOS) recently took a significant step by requesting that the school board transfer ownership of the PLC to the county during a meeting on July 28. This move came after the school board had previously voted 4-to-1 in June to retain the property and proceed with partial demolition.

The PLC, located at 4290 Anderson Highway, holds historical significance as a symbol of desegregation. Some community members believe it could be renovated for continued use, while others argue that the costs involved would be too burdensome for taxpayers. According to the BOS, the county had already issued debt and borrowed $900,000 in 2024 for the demolition, even before conducting studies that suggested the buildings might be suitable for renovation. A bid was received within the allocated budget for the project.

The building, which once served as an elementary, middle, and high school, has not been used as a school since 2018. Currently, it houses school administrators’ offices and the African American Cultural Arts Museum. The BOS claims that this arrangement would remain unchanged if the land were transferred, but some school board members and residents see the renovation as a costly endeavor.

During the BOS public comment period on July 28, only one resident supported the partial demolition. One individual urged the board to save the full school building, while another, Simon Wong, pleaded against any demolition. The history of the site dates back to the opening of the Powhatan Training School in 1931, which provided upper-level courses for Black students. The school later became a segregated high school in 1937, eventually evolving into the Pocahontas High School. An elementary wing was added in 1950.

In 1969, the school transitioned into an integrated Pocahontas Middle School, and the high school was permanently closed. A new middle school opened in 2018, leading to the closure of Pocahontas Middle and the establishment of the PLC.

Dr. James Taylor, a school board member, was the sole supporter of the demolition during the BOS meeting. He described the condition of the building as deteriorating due to years of neglect, citing leaky roofs and damage from water. He also noted that the ongoing debate between the two boards has caused division.

The school board plans to preserve the A-wing, which houses the offices and museum, ensuring that the most historically significant part of the campus remains intact. However, the B, C, and D wings are slated for demolition. The BOS argues that taking over the land would allow the school system to continue using the office space without cost, while the museum would remain unchanged. Additionally, the county would cover all maintenance, utilities, and capital expenses.

The BOS initiated a study this year, which they claim found that the B, C, and D wings could potentially be renovated into a community center. They suggest that the cost of renovating the PLC might be less than constructing a new building of similar size, though they have not provided exact figures.

Dr. Taylor pointed out that the school board chair, Susan Smith, initially allowed the BOS 60 days to conduct a feasibility study on renovations. However, after three to four weeks of no progress, the school board moved forward with the demolition contract, effectively halting the BOS’s study.

County Administrator Will Hagy noted that engineers had previously recommended demolition based on health and safety concerns. A 2023 study by Dewberry Engineers advised demolishing the B-wing entirely due to black mold and standing water, calling it unsafe to occupy without an N95 mask. The report also recommended demolishing parts of the D-wing due to hazardous conditions involving water, mold, and asbestos. The C-wing would require a complete roof replacement due to water damage.

Despite these concerns, the BOS continues to push for more time to complete their study and explore the possibility of renovations. Mark Kinney, a BOS representative, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the school board regarding how retaining the facility benefits students in the county.

Dr. Taylor believes that the BOS is acting too late and that the school board should focus solely on educational needs rather than broader county interests. He views the proposed deal as unrealistic and fiscally irresponsible, arguing that building a community center now is more of a “want” than a necessity.

Supervisor Steve W. McClung of District 2 opposed the idea of destroying an asset owned by the county, while Supervisor Robert Powers of District 3 emphasized the importance of preserving the site. Demolition has been delayed multiple times and remains in limbo as the school board works to secure the necessary permits.