Board approves new names for two elementary schools and selects RBG mascot

The Vancouver School District board voted Monday to adopt new names for two elementary schools and to select a mascot for a new elementary school.

Renaming votes: Trustees approved a motion to rename Harney Elementary to Edgewood Elementary. The motion passed with trustees at the dais indicating approval (recorded approvals during the roll call included Director Sprawl, Director Zavala, Director Smith and Director Barrows and the chair). Board members said the choice reflected neighborhood identification and community input; one trustee noted the school’s proximity to Edgewood Park as a reason the name felt locally rooted.

At the same meeting the board voted to change Peter S. Ogden Elementary School’s name to Ogden Elementary. Staff and community committees had recommended keeping the neighborhood name “Ogden” while removing the historical figure’s full name; presenters said the building and neighborhood are already widely known as Ogden and the revised name better reflects the community’s preference.

Mascot selection: The board also voted to approve “Colibri” as the mascot for Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary School. The choice followed a process in which the school’s principal and community committee presented several options and the board approved the committee’s top choice.

Process and timing: District staff said the renaming process followed the district’s procedure: community committees solicited names, narrowed lists, and returned top recommendations for board consideration. Staff said the renamings will be implemented ahead of the next school year and require administrative steps with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and updates to school signage and materials.

Votes at a glance: - Harney Elementary → Edgewood Elementary: motion moved and seconded; recorded approvals by the trustees present; outcome: approved. - Peter S. Ogden Elementary → Ogden Elementary: motion moved and seconded; recorded approvals by trustees present; outcome: approved. - Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary mascot → Colibri: motion moved and seconded; recorded approvals by trustees present; outcome: approved.

Ending: Board members thanked the principals and community volunteers who led the nomination and rating processes and emphasized the district will work to implement the name and mascot changes in time for the fall school year.