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District outlines naming process and reopening plans for Daniel Freeman (Kelso) school; 400 students expected
Summary
Committee discussed reopening the Daniel Freeman site (also referenced as Kelso). Dr. James Morris said the principal will lead a community naming process during the first year, the expected opening date is Aug. 18, and staff anticipate about 400–420 students; interior renovations are complete and exterior work (playground, soccer field) continues.
Committee members discussed community concerns and logistics for the reopening of the Daniel Freeman site, referenced in the meeting as the Daniel Freeman–Warren Lane/Kelso campus. County Administrator Dr. James Morris explained the district’s naming policy and operations plan for the first year.
"We have a policy on the naming of school facilities and it's really the principal [who] is supposed to lead a process that involves the community," Morris said, describing school-site councils, students and parents as required stakeholders in the name-selection process.
Morris confirmed the opening timeline and capacity: "August the 18th is the first day of school. We anticipate about 400 students at that school site," and he said the interior renovation work is complete while exterior work—playground, basketball courts and an AYSO-compliant soccer field—remains underway. He said some families from the closed Kelso site elected to remain assigned to the new location and that the campus has larger capacity than its initial anticipated enrollment.
Committee members recommended more local outreach, including inviting the principal to a future meeting to report on naming and engagement plans and offering the site as a community meeting location to a local council member. Members also raised concerns about rumors (for example, that the site would become a charter school) and urged clearer advance notice to neighbors about the reopening and any community events.
