Members of the Holyoke Public Schools Building Committee discussed naming conventions for the new facility and flagged a contractor request to expedite signage production because of long lead times.

Aaron (superintendent) and other school staff reported that the district will forward naming recommendations for spaces (for example, music room dedications) to the school committee for review. Committee members raised a question about whether the building’s official name should include the word “Middle” (e.g., William R. Peck Middle School) and whether that addition would require a separate approval process.

“On MSBA, in the register, it's listed as William R Peck School. That's how it's listed,” a committee speaker said. Committee members noted earlier local votes and school-committee practice: if the district wants to alter the formal name it may need additional local approvals; staff said they would confirm MSBA and local charter requirements and follow up.

Chris LeBlanc told the group the contractor had submitted the signage package and asked the committee to be mindful of lead time if they plan changes to the building name or lettering: “The contractor has submitted the signage package, and they're looking to get that expedited because of the lead time.” Committee members agreed to forward a recommendation through the school committee and coordinate with the mayor’s office and MSBA as necessary.

Ending: No final name change was approved at the meeting. Staff said they will confirm whether adding “Middle” constitutes an official name change requiring city council or school committee action and will report back to the committee.