Racine school board debates future of Red Apple name amid community input and diversity concerns

The Racine Unified School District's District Facility Renaming Committee is grappling with a significant decision regarding the future of the Red Apple School name. During a recent meeting, committee members expressed a strong desire to honor the school's legacy while also considering the inclusion of notable figures from the community, particularly African Americans.

Committee member Ms. Harris emphasized the importance of making a timely decision, noting that prolonged discussions could lead to anxiety among stakeholders. She highlighted that feedback from those directly involved with Red Apple strongly favors retaining the name, while those advocating for a change have yet to reach a consensus on a new name. This division has created a complex situation that the committee is eager to resolve.

Another member, Bart, reflected on the historical significance of the Red Apple brand, which has been a staple in the community for over 50 years. He expressed concern that renaming the school might lead to confusion about the continuation of the Red Apple program, which is intended to thrive in its new location as a premier STEM school.

The committee is also considering proposals to honor notable individuals, such as Laurel Clark, by naming specific areas within the new facility after them. This approach aims to celebrate the diversity of the community while maintaining the Red Apple identity.

As discussions continue, the committee is committed to engaging the public for further input before making a final decision. The next steps will involve another meeting to gather community feedback and ultimately vote on the name, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by the change are heard. The outcome of this deliberation will not only shape the identity of the new school but also reflect the values and history of the Racine community.