Modesto City Schools trustees review rules for naming facilities, consider plaques and equity in nominations

Modesto City Schools trustees on Feb. 3 held a special workshop to review the district's policy and administrative regulation for naming school facilities, examine examples from past nominations and discuss how to ensure community representation in future naming proposals.

Associate Superintendent Tim Zearli led the presentation, noting the district's Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 7310 set the criteria and process for naming schools and eligible facilities. He told trustees the AR requires written proposals submitted to the superintendent and verification that an honoree's contributions to Modesto City Schools are "enduring" and "of lasting significance," and that incumbent board members are ineligible. "Staff, community members, or groups wishing to propose an individual and the facility to be named in his or her honor shall submit the proposal in writing to the superintendent," Zearli said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The district has multiple bond-funded construction and renovation projects under way, and trustees said the current period offers an opportunity to honor community members while setting clear, equitable rules so underrepresented groups can participate.

Board members discussed several recurring issues: whether the two-year waiting period for posthumous honors remains appropriate, how to document "verifiable evidence of a reasonable level of support," and whether standardized nomination forms or signature thresholds would help or unfairly advantage better-resourced nominees.

Trustee comments emphasized both caution and opportunity. One trustee said the two-year pause in renaming "is there in case someone passes tragically and there's emotion swelling from a tragic event," a safeguard against decisions made under pressure. Several trustees said they wanted to avoid naming all buildings at once and to leave room for future honorees. Another trustee urged the board to ensure neighborhoods that have not historically seen facilities named after local Latino or other community leaders have accessible pathways to submit proposals.

Community examples and plaques: Trustees recalled local grassroots efforts that led to namings in recent years, such as the court named for longtime Davis High coach Dan Pacheco. Several trustees proposed offering commemorative plaques at schools to acknowledge bond-funded improvements and to thank voters, rather than only placing individual-name dedications. One staff member suggested a districtwide plaque acknowledging the role of voters and the community in passing bond measures.

Public comment: Parent and community leader Aaron Anguiano spoke during the public-comment period, thanking trustees for the bond investments and offering to volunteer on nomination efforts. He also raised a separate concern about student discipline and the use of "unsatisfactory" citizenship marks that can affect program eligibility. "Why do you get them unsatisfactory citizenship when they're excellent people?" Anguiano asked.

Next steps: Staff agreed to explore options for plaques and to draft materials that would clarify the nomination process, including the information the superintendent would collect and any recommended forms; staff will report back to the board with proposals for next steps. The board adjourned the workshop after the discussion.

The board took no final action on policy changes during the workshop; any revision to BP/AR 7310 would require a separate, formal board process.