Board selects 'Desert Bloom Elementary' to replace Cesar Chavez Elementary

The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously May 20 to rename Cesar Chavez Elementary as Desert Bloom Elementary, following a community feedback process that collected 109 suggested names and more than 2,300 ratings.

Board President Court opened the discussion after staff presented results from a ThoughtExchange survey. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lozano and ThoughtExchange representative Rick Chandler said participants favored names tied to local landscape and regional identity; themes that emerged included “Desert,” “Mountain,” “Sunrise,” and animal‑inspired names tied to the school’s existing coyotito mascot.

Dr. Lozano said the leadership team used both quantitative ratings and qualitative comments to recommend a short list of options and to guide rebranding planning. Board members raised potential branding conflicts — for example, shared initials with other district schools and a similarly named business in another state — and weighed staff and leadership input heavily in their deliberations.

After an unsuccessful motion to adopt “East Mesa Elementary,” President Court moved to select Desert Bloom Elementary. Secretary Nolan called the roll; the motion passed on a unanimous vote.

The board directed staff to begin the rebranding and implementation steps, including communications, signage updates and coordination with the Public Education Department so the new name can be used officially on July 1. Board members emphasized keeping the school’s existing mascot and engaging teachers and families during the transition.

What happens next: staff will begin physical and digital rebranding, update internal systems and coordinate with state officials to finalize the name change timeline and necessary administrative updates.