Survey shows more internal support than countywide for renaming Magruder Elementary; staff estimate up to $65,000 in transition costs

Dr. Carroll presented the results of a countywide survey about a request to rename Magruder Elementary School and provided a cost estimate for a name change during the Sept. 8 work session.

The division ran two surveys: an internal single-use link delivered by email to families and staff, and a public multi-use link posted on the division website and promoted via social media. The internal survey received more than 1,700 responses and the public survey 408 responses. Carroll said the public-response tally included some out-of-county replies; when the public responses were restricted to county residents, the balance shifted.

Key quantitative results Carroll reported: - Internal (families and staff): 33% said yes to renaming, 57% no, 11% no opinion. - Public respondents (total 408): 47% yes, 51% no, 2% no opinion. - Public respondents limited to York County residents: 40% yes, 58% no, 2% no opinion.

Carroll summarized common qualitative themes. Supporters most often cited John Magruder's role as a Confederate general, said the school name did not reflect community values and asked for historical accuracy and different role models. Opponents most frequently cited cost and resource allocation concerns, urged historical preservation and warned about disrupting school identity and alumni attachment. Carroll said many opposition comments invoked concerns over tax dollars and administrative burden; supporters emphasized representation and historical context.

On costs, Carroll said division staff analyzed exterior and interior signage, digital and operational systems, library re-labeling, commemorative displays, staff time and school spirit materials. He provided line-item estimates and said high-cost items would be exterior signage (about $25,000) and digital infrastructure work (about $26,000, mostly staff time). Carroll presented a combined estimate of about $38,000 in material costs and roughly $26,000 in staff-time costs for a total of just under $65,000.

Carroll said redacted raw survey data and comments will be posted to BoardDocs for public review. He also said the division can provide further geographic disaggregation (for example, District 1 responses) at the board's request.

Speakers and roles in this report: Dr. Carroll (presenter); Principal Rufier (referenced by Carroll); board members asked clarifying questions.

Carroll's presentation emphasized that the countywide public sample included respondents living outside York County and that restricting to county residents produced different support percentages. He closed by asking the board for discussion and next steps.