Board hears recommendation to name two new elementary schools Ross Prairie and Winding Oaks

At an April 3 work session the Marion County School Board heard naming-committee recommendations for two new elementary schools, with staff recommending Ross Prairie Elementary for elementary W and Winding Oaks Elementary for elementary X.

Naming committees at each site conducted two public surveys and community outreach. For Elementary W the top two choices were Ross Prairie (37.6% of the second survey) and Innovation Elementary (35.5%). For Elementary X, Winding Oaks led the second survey with 70.7% of votes, followed by Tartan Elementary (21.5%) and Equestrian Trails (7.8%). Ms. Kynard, presenting the process, told the board the naming committees included parents, staff and community members, and that the surveys were distributed via Skyward, the district website and ClassDojo.

Ms. Crawford, principal at the site labeled Elementary X, reviewed local history tying the site to the thoroughbred industry (Tartan Farms, Mockingbird Farm and later Windigo Oaks) and said that history informed the committee's recommendation. "Winding Oaks received 70% of the votes, clearly leading over Equestrian Trails and Tartan," she said.

Board members expressed support for the recommendations at the work session. Dr. Campbell said she initially leaned toward "Innovation" but that the history and committee recommendation convinced her Ross Prairie is appropriate. Board comment included practical next steps (colors, mascots) and appreciation for community involvement. The naming recommendations will be placed on the April 22 board agenda for a formal vote.

Ending: If the board adopts the names on April 22, staff will proceed to finalize school branding and operational preparations for opening.