Board approves naming nomination for Gibbs High School baseball field amid questions about naming policy

The Knox County Board of Education approved a nomination to name the Gibbs High School baseball field after Morgan Wallen during Thursday—s meeting, after brief discussion and questions about district naming policy.

The nomination (item 9c) was moved by Mr. Wright and seconded by Ms. Christie and approved by voice vote. "This is something where ... I had several emails, that were listing concerning things about this and being concerned about any sort of PR issues and Knox County Schools being associated with that stuff," said Ms. Pike, who told the board she had received constituent concerns. "There was a question about naming things after people who are alive as opposed to posthumously," added Ms. Templeton, asking whether the district has considered that approach.

Dr. Reiswick, the district superintendent, said the district has a policy that is "more centered around school employees" and that employees are not to be named while employed; he said the policy includes guidance on intervals after employment. "The policy says that they're not to be named while they're employed. And I believe it's actually 5 years after they're after they're done," Dr. Reiswick said. The board also noted precedent: the current name of the field is Steve Unley Field, named after a benefactor and former board member.

After discussion the board voted; the motion carried by voice vote with no roll-call tally included in the transcript.