Charles County board renames Indian Head school-based health center for longtime public health official

The Board of Education of Charles County voted Nov. 24 to rename the Indian Head school-based health center for Dr. Chinedori Devadison, honoring his multi-decade service in local and state public health.

Miss Smith moved the measure, and Vice Chair Cramer seconded it. Miss Smith told the board she had researched Devadison's work and highlighted his long service in the community, saying Dr. Devadison "served 22 years as a county health officer" and had led public-health initiatives that expanded dental care for low-income children and response efforts during the AIDS epidemic. Board members voiced support for naming the facility after someone with local ties and longstanding public-service credentials.

Board members discussed naming rules and confirmed that the naming of a school-based health center follows procedures distinct from school naming, with legal counsel clarifying the district was not required to follow the same multi-step public process used for school renamings. When the chair called for a vote, members signified support by virtual hand/voice; the chair announced the motion passed and said staff would handle follow-up details including postal address and scheduling a ribbon-cutting once dates are set.

The action was the meeting's primary formal decision. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript, and one member's intent to abstain was queried during the vote but the chair confirmed there was a majority in favor at the time of the announcement.

Next steps include administrative coordination on signage, notification to partners and setting a date for a public event to dedicate the health center.