6820P Naming of School Buildings, Facilities, and Land

Introduction
The school board does not favor changing the names of existing buildings, facilities, or land. However, occasionally a change in the name of a building, facility, or land may be appropriate. Also, from time to time it may be necessary to name a new building, facility, or land. Before any naming decisions are made, school and community input shall be sought.
 
Definitions
For the purpose of this procedure, the following definitions will apply:
  1. Building is defined as an entire school.
  2. Facility is defined as a portion of a building.
  3. Land is defined as the real property, excluding all structures.
Procedure
  1. Initial Naming of a Building, Facility, or Land

  1. The opportunity to name a new building, facility, or land comes about as a result of new construction. Replacing an existing building or facility, either at the same or a new site, is not considered new construction for the purpose of this procedure. (See paragraph C below).

  2. Names of new buildings, facilities, or land should be selected based upon:

    1. Geographical location or local community name; or
    2. Distinguished individuals who have served the local community, state, or nation, whether in education or other fields.

  1. Whenever the opportunity to initially name a building, facility, or land is presented, the superintendent will request the principal or appropriate district administrator to meet with community residents and other interested individuals to discuss the naming opportunity. If a name is proposed centrally, the school community will be asked to review the proposed new name. Otherwise, the school community will be asked to recommend a name or names.

  2. The principal or appropriate administrator should prepare a written report summarizing school and community recommendations for the proposed new name. The report should be submitted to the superintendent. The superintendent shall then make a recommendation to the board.

  3. The board will approve or reject the proposed name(s).

  4. When a name is approved, the superintendent shall send a notification of the name to the appropriate persons.

  1. Changing the Name of a Building, Facility, or Land
Since a proposal to change the name of a school building, facility, or land could originate from many sources, the following steps should be taken:
 

  1. The person(s) proposing the name change should present the proposal to the superintendent.

  2. If the superintendent decides the school name change should be considered, he or she will request the principal meet with staff, parents, students, alumni, and community residents to discuss the proposed change. The principal should prepare a written report summarizing school and community support of and/or opposition to the proposed change. This report should be submitted to the superintendent.

  3. If the building is named after a local person, a good faith effort must be demonstrated to contact and seek input from the relatives of that person (e.g., internet search, legal ads, phone book, daily newspaper) before the name change is approved.

  4. If the superintendent approves of the name change, the proposed change will be submitted to the board.

  5. The board will approve or reject the proposed name change.

  6. If the change is approved, the superintendent shall send a notification of the change to the appropriate persons.

  1. Replacement Buildings or Facilities
When a building or facility is torn down and replaced, either at the same location or a new location, it should retain the same name unless the procedure for school building name changes is followed.
 
Date: 3/9/10