Town Council names new North End elementary school for Medal of Honor recipient Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

Barnum Elementary School — The Town of Cheshire town council voted unanimously Feb. 25 to adopt Resolution 022525-1 to name the new North End elementary school in honor of Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

The resolution, moved by Mister Jenks and seconded by Fiona Pearson, formalized the recommendation of the town council and Board of Education planning committees following a Jan. 16 public hearing on proposed names. The council meeting packet and speakers at tonight’s meeting credited a multi-step public process: solicitation of names, a joint review by the planning committees, rubric scoring against the town’s naming policy, and the committees’ recommendation to the full council.

The naming matter drew support from veterans and residents at the meeting. Haley Fark, who brought forward the nomination in late 2022, told the council she was grateful for the action and called naming the school after Barnum “such an honor in so many ways.” Mayor Peter J. Talbot said Barnum is a Cheshire native, a Medal of Honor recipient and longtime town volunteer, and noted the community’s pride in having a recipient from Cheshire.

Why it matters: The new school is the town’s marquee education capital project and will open at the Marion Road/Jarvis Street site in the North End. Council members said naming the building after a local Medal of Honor recipient creates an opportunity to teach students about civic service, veterans’ contributions and local history.

What the council decided: Resolution 022525-1 reads in part that the Town Council approves the recommended name Barnum Elementary School and authorizes the Next Generation School Building Committee and town manager to finalize steps necessary to implement the naming. The motion passed unanimously “by those present.”

Process and context: Council members described a transparent process that began with a public hearing on Jan. 16 and included review by a joint committee of Town Council and Board of Education planning committees, use of a rubric consistent with the town’s naming policy, and public comment. Several council members, including Don Walsh and Don Malone, said they learned more about Colonel Barnum’s military and civic record during the review and supported the choice.

What happens next: The council authorized the Next Generation School Building Committee and the town manager to complete administrative steps needed to implement the name. The town manager and school building committee will handle signage, communications and any formal changes to construction documents or school records.

Support and reaction: Council members praised community input and veterans who attended the meeting. Peter Talbot thanked veterans in attendance and noted the evening’s other recognitions. Public comment in the meeting also included tributes to local veterans and Eagle Scout recognitions that preceded the naming item.

Votes and record: The council called for the vote after public comment and member discussion. The mayor announced, “All those in favor? Motion passes unanimously by those present.” The council did not record individual roll-call votes in the meeting transcript; the clerk’s prior roll call showed nine members were present.

Ending note: The Barnum name will appear on the new North End school and the town manager and school building committee will take the actions necessary to effect the name change in school communications and project materials.