Board hears proposal to keep Hector Caferrata name on rebuilt K–8; James Stevens stakeholders favor 'Community School'

Principal Jason Kurtz and Principal Jackie Fantasia presented two naming proposals and stakeholder engagement results for board consideration. Kurtz said a committee and a short survey produced 211 responses for the Hector Caferrata rebuild; the committee’s top choice is "Hector A. Caferrata Jr. K–8 School." Fantasia described James Stevens’ process and said staff and stakeholder responses favored "James Stevens Community School" by a 51% to 43% margin.

Policy and process: Board member Giovannelli noted the presentation initially cited an older policy number that was repealed in 2023 and asked staff to ensure the public materials cite School Board Policy 7250 (Commemoration of School Facilities). Several board members asked about committee composition; principals said parents, teachers, administrators and support staff were represented and SAC discussed survey results.

Costs and signage: Fantasia noted recent signage changes had been paid from magnet program funds previously but that those funds are exhausted; fresh signage costs for another name change would need funding.

Board reaction: Members praised the principals for community work and asked staff to ensure correct policy citations and broader public engagement when feasible. Action was presented as a later board agenda item for decision.

Attribution: Presentations by Principal Jason Kurtz (Hector Caferrata) and Principal Jackie Fantasia (James Stevens). Policy clarification provided by Deputy Superintendent Ken Savage and Board Attorney Cathy Dupree Bruno.