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Council refers Pope John High School renovation and renaming proposal to mayor and craft group
Summary
Councilors read a resolution asking a crafts group to partner with the city to make payments on borrowed funds for renovating Pope John High School and to consider renaming the building; the council voted to refer the proposal to the mayor's office and the craft group for follow‑up.
The clerk read a resolution offered by Councilor Michael Marchese asking that a crafts group consider partnering with the city to make payments on any funds borrowed to renovate Pope John High School and, in return, that the city rename the building after the crafts group. During discussion some councilors raised concerns about naming rights and tax impacts, while others urged the council to accept large donations if they materially advance school improvements.
One councilor argued that if a private group is willing to provide "25 to 50,000,000" to renovate the school, the city should take the money and proceed; another called objections to naming "the dumbest thing I've ever heard," while others urged caution and process. The council voted to refer the resolution to the mayor's office and to contact the craft group for more information.
Why it matters: The referral keeps the proposal alive while placing the specifics — the financial terms, naming conditions and legal agreements — with the administration and the prospective donor for negotiation. Naming public school buildings after private donors raises policy and community‑engagement questions that often require legal review and public outreach.
What to watch next: The mayor's office and the craft group were asked to respond; the council will likely consider a staff report or formal agreement if the parties return a specific proposal.
