Las Cruces school board unanimously votes to remove Cesar Chavez Elementary name after public input and survivor accounts

The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to remove the name Cesar Chavez Elementary School following public comment, staff briefings and a charged board discussion about allegations reported in national coverage.

Board President (Chair) opened the discussion by outlining the process the district followed to solicit public input and said staff had received 55 emails, with 38 supporting a name change, 11 opposing and 6 indicating no preference. Superintendent Ruiz told the board the district would work with the school community and the New Mexico Public Education Department to complete the formal paperwork for a name change.

The board heard public comments both for and against changing the name. Alice Lara, a community speaker, urged more public surveying and raised cost concerns, saying the projected expenses initially cited were a major reason some opposed action. Juan Garcia questioned the timing and motives of the district’s consideration and referenced national reporting about the allegations.

The National Education Association—hapter locally also addressed the board. Julie Waco, speaking for NEA Las Cruces, told the board the union supports renaming, saying in part that the district must "center the health and safety of our members" and align public spaces with values of safety and respect.

Several board members framed the decision around support for survivors. Vice President Wofford said the board—ould not keep a school name that made students feel unsafe and emphasized the board idn—hange in light of the accounts raised earlier; another board member said, "Girls who enter schools in Las Cruces public schools should know that we do not have a school named after a ****** predator," reflecting language used in public testimony and board remarks.

A motion to remove the name was moved by Board Member Tonorio and seconded by Secretary Nolan. The board voted unanimously in favor. Chair announced: "With the unanimous vote, we will be removing the name of Cesar Chavez Elementary School." The motion was recorded as approved.

District staff presented a proposed timeline for next steps: beginning the next day they will gather feedback from the Cesar Chavez school community (students, families and staff), consolidate classroom and family input into a top-five list, and bring recommended names back to the board for review on May 19. Staff said they would then work with the Public Education Department to make the change official, with a target effective date of July 1.

The board emphasized that the naming process would center the current school community (the school serves pre-K through second grade) and that the district would take steps to both address facility needs and the renaming process. The board also noted the estimated direct costs presented by staff (letters and marquee updates) were modest relative to district budget and that routine replacements (for mats, signage, etc.) would coincide with the change.

The board did not take additional policy action at this meeting regarding the fallout of the underlying allegations; it limited action to removing the school name and establishing the public process for a replacement name.

What happens next: staff will gather classroom- and family-level input and present a short list to the board on May 19; the board—xpects to finalize the new name and work with NMPED to enact the change before the start of the next fiscal year.