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Council approves naming new Elmwood middle school for Dr. William R. Peck
Summary
The council accepted the school department’s recommendation and officially named the new Elmwood middle school the Dr. William R. Peck Middle School after a public survey and school committee approval.
The City Council accepted a recommendation from Holyoke Public Schools and the building committee to name the new Elmwood middle school the Dr. William R. Peck Middle School.
Councilor Jardine, who led the discussion on the council floor, described a broad stakeholder process the school department used, saying roughly 1,800 respondents participated in the naming survey. The school committee had recommended the Dr. William R. Peck name, which reflects the historical name that had been attached to earlier middle-school facilities.
Councilor Rivera noted the survey results showed variation by respondent group: staff, parents and students had stronger support for "Holyoke Middle School" while "all respondents" (the broader community survey) narrowly preferred the Peck name. Councilors said keeping Dr. Peck’s name preserved a local legacy: "This was also the recommendation from the school committee, as well," Jardine said.
The motion to accept the school department’s recommendation was adopted on the council floor; roll-call votes recorded unanimous approval.
Why it matters: Naming a major school facility recognizes local historical figures and affects branding, signage and community identity as the district opens a new building.
Ending: The school will operate under the Dr. William R. Peck Middle School name; the council’s action completes the municipal approval necessary to finalize signage and materials.
