The mission of Shenandoah Forward is “to ensure students of Shenandoah County, VA are educated in an environment that fosters compassion, understanding and acceptance of all, regardless of differences.”

Working with individual donors and foundations, and through on-line and word of mouth fundraising, Shenandoah Forward endeavors to raise funds to reduce the expense burden of changing the names on Shenandoah County and Shenandoah County Public Schools, if not eliminate it completely. Current estimated expenses are approximately $500,000 to effect all changes related to the retirement of two school names and one school mascot. All monies received are tax-deductible for the donors, and we hope to complete this effort by April 30, 2021. Funds raised will be used to purchase new uniforms, new athletic equipment, signage and meet other needs and expenses related to the name change of two schools and mascot of one school. Should funds be raised in excess of what is needed to cover costs of these changes, those monies will be utilized to further realize equity and inclusion within our school division. This may be in the form of an equity audit, continued equity training for faculty or other programs offered to staff or students to improve inclusivity across all school buildings and campuses.

For taking the time to learn more about our endeavor to raise funds to offset the cost of name changes of our schools, ensuring that Shenandoah County is a place where all students of our public schools can rest assured they will thrive in an environment of acceptance and inclusivity! Thank you for your support, and for your donations. You can do that below. Please sign up for our newsletter below for updates on our progress and other projects. For more information, email us at shenandoahforward@gmail.com.