Board names new Westside school 'Star Elementary' after debate over Bart and Cherry Starr

The Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education voted April 28 to name the district’s new Westside elementary school Star Elementary following a motion, an amendment and a roll-call vote.

Board member Laura McCoy moved to name the school Bart Starr Elementary. Board member Lynn Gerlach proposed an amendment to name the school Star Elementary, a name Gerlach said would allow recognition of both Bart Starr and his wife, Cherry Starr. The amendment received a second and passed. The board then voted to approve the amended motion; the motion carried.

Gerlach said the Packer Hall of Fame’s president had recommended “Star Elementary” and offered to provide busts recognizing both Bart and Cherry Starr; she told trustees the busts’ delivery would be scheduled according to the Hall of Fame’s existing commitments. Trustee Lehi (identified in meeting comments) explained she had researched both Bart and Cherry Starr and said she supported including Cherry Starr’s name because of Cherry Starr’s philanthropic work.

Board staff reported they had contacted Bart Starr Jr., who expressed excitement about the possibility of the district using his family’s name for the school. Trustees discussed practical considerations raised by some members, including how children might abbreviate the name and the desirability of including both spouses’ legacies.

The motion that passed read, in effect: the district’s new Westside elementary school will be named Star Elementary. Trustees directed staff to complete any required family notifications and coordinate official signage and dedication planning.

The naming followed a public committee process; board members thanked the naming committee for its work and noted the board’s vote will be followed by logistical steps to update materials and prepare for the school’s opening.