During the public comment period at the Port Angeles School District Board of Directors meeting, two commentators urged the board to rename Stevens Middle School for the Elwha River and explained the cultural and ecological reasons for the recommendation.

Louis Bennett, who identified himself as a long‑time substitute teacher in the district, said, "I strongly believe the new name should be Elwha River Middle School." He described participating in the Elwha Nation’s Paddle the Elwha event and said the river is "sacred" to the local tribal people and important to the region’s history and ecology.

Carmen Watson Charles, who identified herself as a former Stevens Middle School student and as the Port Angeles School District Native American Liaison, said the district should "take this opportunity to start anew." She addressed concerns about specific name forms, saying that "Using Elwha River Middle School is fine and appropriate, which is referencing the Elwha River, which is a place." She noted that adding "Lower Elwha" could create conflict with tribal usage and urged sensitivity to the tribe’s naming conventions and cultural significance.

Casey McDonald, the executive assistant to the superintendent, told the board he had received written correspondence and would move one request to the public comment section so the speaker’s emailed remarks could be read aloud.

The board did not take a naming vote at the meeting; the agenda for the next meeting (Sept. 25) includes "discussion/action item for the Stevens Middle School naming decision." The public comments were entered into the record for the board’s consideration.