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Board votes to rename Middle College High for longtime educator George J. McKenna III
Summary
The Los Angeles Unified School District Board unanimously approved renaming Middle College High School to Dr. George J. McKenna III Middle College High School, honoring the educator'administrator'board member's decades of work on equity and student opportunity.
The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously May 12 to rename Middle College High School for Dr. George J. McKenna III, a longtime educator, principal and district leader credited by supporters with advancing equity and student opportunity.
Board member Dr. Rosio Rivas introduced the proposal, which drew a string of endorsements from South Los Angeles educators, alumni and community leaders. "There is no one more deserving of the honor of having a school named after him than Dr. George McKenna III," Region South Superintendent Andre Spicer said at the board meeting.
Supporters, including current and former principals, teachers and students, told the board that McKenna helped transform underperforming schools, expanded college pathways and mentored generations of educators. "He created cultures of excellence where students were expected to rise academically, lead courageously and believe in their own greatness," said Dr. Michelle Bird, an alumna and district administrator.
Student speakers described growing up seeing the effects of McKenna's leadership. "Having his name on our school could inspire students and remind people what one man can do for a whole community," said Kayn Williams, a Middle College student who took part in the renaming committee.
The measure was moved by Dr. Rivas and seconded by Board President Schmurson. The roll call was unanimous: Newell, Rivas, Melvin, Grigo, Gomez, Ortiz Franklin, Schmurson and student board member Yang voted yes. The new name will appear in district materials and on the school's campus signage in coming months.
The vote follows a series of presentations and public comments at the meeting in which alumni, local elected officials and arts and education leaders praised McKenna's decades of service to Los Angeles public schools and communities. The board also acknowledged an accompanying scholarship to support future educators in McKenna's name.
