WJCC staff outline process, timeline and costs for a possible James Blair renaming

Staff presented an information item describing the process the division would follow if the board chooses to consider renaming a school, with specific timing and implementation notes tailored to James Blair Middle School.

Policy basis and committee: staff cited Policy FFA (School Names), which vests final naming authority with the school board and encourages public solicitation of name suggestions. The policy states that if a school is named for an individual, the person must have been deceased for at least 10 years. Administration recommended creating a committee composed largely of members connected to the school — students, staff, parents/guardians and residents in the attendance zone — with invited roles for others (for example, a board member).

Timeline and logistics: staff said a focused process could take three to four months: if the board launches the process immediately, a committee could deliver a final recommendation on May 6 and the board could take final action on May 20. Staff also outlined implementation costs for items such as exterior signage and gym resurfacing; some cost figures were carried over from 2018 and noted as potentially understated. Nonbinding bids could be solicited in advance so purchases could occur promptly after final action; some purchases (for example gym floor resurfacing) would occur after the school year and could fall into the next fiscal year.

Board reaction: members were divided on timing and scope. Some favored commencing a renaming committee now and preferred non‑person (location or landmark) names; others asked the administration to ensure stakeholder input from city residents given the division’s joint geography and to avoid an unduly rushed process. Members asked staff to return with a committee plan should the board decide to activate the process.