Pleasant Hill board names middle/high school library for Patrick McCurry, ties naming to donation

The Pleasant Hill SD 1 school board voted 4–0 on Aug. 18 to name the district middle/high school library for Patrick McCurry, approving a resolution that the administration said accompanies a roughly $42,000 donation toward the library’s remodel.

District administration presented the recommendation and a biographical statement describing McCurry’s service as a guidance counselor and his contributions to students and athletics. The administration said the donation meets the district’s policy criteria for naming and that the board’s approval would authorize updates to signage and communications.

The superintendent’s presentation described McCurry’s mentoring work and noted that the memorial naming could include a plaque. A public commenter, Laurie Garren, suggested adding language recognizing the campus mentoring program as part of McCurry’s legacy. The board discussed memorial wording before voting.

One board member said, “I don't think this is a fantastic idea. I wasn't sure until I read. He was a basketball coach,” expressing hesitation about aspects of the proposal; the comment was part of the discussion but did not change the outcome.

The naming motion was presented as “resolution 25 9 6 5 0 1” in the meeting materials; the board chair indicated no second was needed and the motion passed on a 4–0 voice vote. Administration said furniture and signage updates tied to the remodel will follow the board’s authorization.

The board did not specify the exact memorial text at the meeting; administration said a final draft will be added to the formal naming file and will include details about the donation and memorial plaque if applicable.