Phoenix Union begins renaming process for Cesar Chavez High School; superintendent to form naming committee and board approves interim 'Champion Circle' label

The Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board on March 26 opened a formal, multi-phase process to consider renaming Cesar Chavez High School and approved an interim, informal designation of Champion Circle High School (to preserve the CCHS initials) while community engagement takes place.

Superintendent Andrade outlined a three-phase plan: (1) appoint a superintendent-led naming committee composed of parents, students, alumni, classified staff, the principal and a community member; (2) run nominations and listening sessions with the Chavez community and the district at large; and (3) return a short list (the superintendent suggested three names) and supporting data to the governing board for a decision at a regularly scheduled meeting. Andrade expressed urgency about timing but emphasized the need for thorough community input.

Andrade presented an initial rebranding estimate, saying the total cost was "about $2.3 million," and outlined funding sources she expected to use: roughly half from capital (bond and unrestricted capital), a portion from maintenance and operations funds, and the remainder from contingency/override resources. "We are estimating, obviously ... it's about 2.3 million dollars," Andrade said. Board members pressed for more detailed, lower-cost options.

Public commenters and staff urged the board to center students, staff and Indigenous communities in the process. Joseph Lee, a Chavez teacher and coach, told the board that "when harm is real, the response to harm should be real, thoughtful and informed and lasting, not driven by a rush to judgment." Several Indigenous speakers urged considering traditional O'odham names or honoring local Indigenous leaders.

Representative Mark Marquez moved that the district informally refer to the school as Champion Circle High School (to preserve the "CC" branding); Board Member Napa seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote. Legal counsel advised that a formal name change would require a governing-board vote and paperwork with the Arizona Department of Education, so the district can use an informal reference internally while the formal process proceeds.

Next steps: Superintendent Andrade will form the committee, host listening sessions and aim to return recommendations to the board; she said she would try to bring recommendations at the May board meeting if the committee's timeline and community engagement allow, but acknowledged operational constraints that could push action to a later meeting.

The board also asked staff to provide options that would reduce the cost estimate and to keep members informed of listening sessions so they may attend.