The Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education received an information-only recommendation on Jan. 12 to name the district's new early learning center at John Marshall Enterprise High School the "Potts Family Early Learning Center."

Dr. Malou Smith explained the proposal came through an ad hoc committee formed under board naming policy; the committee included the building leader, the director of the Early Learning Center, the executive director of early childhood, a teacher, two support staff, a parent and a student. The committee voted by majority to recommend the name as submitted; a minority had favored including the campus mascot in the name.

The Potts family's gift, made in collaboration with the OKCPS Foundation and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, funded the early learning center and the OKCPS First Choice Fund intended to support families returning to OKCPS. Dr. Smith noted Pat Potts' longtime advocacy for early childhood and the family's historical ties to John Marshall.

This item was presented for information. The board will consider the formal naming recommendation as an action item at the next business meeting.