Madison board names Southside Elementary for educator Laurie Mancari after contested process

The Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education voted Feb. 24 to rename Southside Elementary School for educator Laurie Mancari, after a months‑long public renaming process and discussion at the board meeting.

Board President Nichols opened discussion by noting the instruction work group had reviewed the renaming and presented four ranked options. Associate Superintendent Dr. Anu Ebi told the board that 77 students participated in the school’s ranking process and that “Southside Community ended up being their top 1,” while the committee’s ranked list placed Southside Community, Ada Deer, Lori Mancari and 9 Springs as the four finalists.

The vote was driven by competing considerations: several speakers and staff asked the board to preserve continuity by keeping the Southside name, while others and a number of board members argued naming a school after a longtime educator recognizes sustained service to students. Board member Simkin moved to name the school for Laurie Mancari; the motion was seconded, discussed, and carried 6–0 with one recusal recorded. Vice President Pearson recused herself from the vote due to a conflict of interest.

Public testimony at the meeting reflected the split. Asenda Brown, community schools resource coordinator at Southside Elementary, urged the board to keep the school’s community identity, saying the name “is a reflection of our values, our mission, and the deep rooted identity we have built together.” Several other community members, including supporters who emphasized Mancari’s long service and ties to the neighborhood, spoke in favor of honoring an educator’s contributions.

Board members described the choice as difficult. Board member Muldrow said she valued student voice and noted the students’ ranking but also said the legacy of an educator can provide “an educational benefit of the name” that helps future students learn local history. Board member VanderMeel said testimony and the history of Mancari’s work persuaded them to support the motion.

The board briefly discussed whether to combine a community‑based name with a personal name, but the board’s renaming policy and the timing for public notice constrained last‑minute additions, the board president said.

The renaming will be reflected in district records and signage per district procedures; the board did not detail an implementation timeline during the meeting.

The decision concluded a committee vetting process and public comment period; the board thanked the renaming committee and community members for their work.