Shoreline board adopts policy detailing process to rename district-managed facilities

The Shoreline School Board on May 6 unanimously adopted revisions to Policy 9,250, which formalize when and how the district will consider naming or renaming district-managed facilities and spaces.

Why it matters: The revised policy adds a formal feasibility review, sets expectations for public engagement, requires inclusion of students and community members on review committees, and directs the superintendent to create procedures that address timelines, costs and special cases. The policy also includes language to exclude financial donors as the sole reason for a naming decision.

What the board approved: Director Williams presented the second reading and said the revisions fill gaps in the prior policy, notably by adding triggers for renaming, a feasibility review, clearer superintendent and board roles, and a public-engagement process. The board’s action delegates procedural detail to the superintendent and keeps the board responsible for final approval of any name change.

Board and staff remarks: Director Williams thanked contributors and highlighted the feasibility review as a key addition: “I especially am grateful for the feasibility review that was completely missing from the sort of previous outlined process,” she said. President Bettenell thanked Public Information Officer Rachel Bellfield for substantive feedback and said the policy creates a flexible but accountable structure to manage renaming requests.

Implementation and next steps: The policy directs the superintendent to develop procedures that will specify timelines, public-engagement steps, committee membership and feasibility criteria (including cost considerations). Officials said timelines may vary by scenario — for example, a request that arrives just before summer may be paused for a regular school-year process, while other requests could be expedited if circumstances require. The board adopted the policy by motion of Director Williams and a second by Director Doonigan; the vote was unanimous.