Committee recaps renaming of former Whittemore Park facility to HCS Rivertown Complex; motion to reconsider fails

Facilities staff recapped the district's process for repurposing and renaming the former Whittemore Park building, which the board and staff have designated the HCS Rivertown Complex. Staff said repurposing was approved this year, several departments have been relocated to the facility, and the renaming followed district policy for facilities that are not active schools.

"We asked for input from the board and staff," Mr. Birch said, describing the May–October timeline of internal approvals and the committee endorsement that led to full-board approval at the Nov. 1 workshop. Staff said policy constraints (for example, restrictions on naming after individuals) shaped the options and that the chosen name was intended to reflect the Rivertown area without limiting future uses.

Board member Janet Graham said she had been contacted by community members who were "very adamant about the rich history of Whittemore" and asked the committee to revisit the name to consider alternatives that preserve the historical connection. Graham made a motion to reconsider the renaming; the motion was seconded but did not proceed to a committee vote and the committee did not take further action.

Committee members noted the district complied with applicable policy in the renaming process and said the facility will host multiple district programs once moves are complete. The facilities committee did not change the name at the Nov. 18 meeting but agreed discussion about broader liaison committees and community engagement would be placed on a future agenda.