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After public pleas, JPS board votes to restore 'Samuel Emanuel Brinkley' name to campus
Summary
Following testimony from alumni and community members, the Jackson Public Schools board approved renaming John Henry Powell Middle School to Samuel Emanuel Brinkley Middle School and discussed signage, uniforms and future uses for the former Brinkley campus.
The Jackson Public Schools board voted to rename John Henry Powell Middle School as Samuel Emanuel Brinkley Middle School after alumni and community members urged restoration of the historic name.
Cornelius Thompson, who identified himself as president of the Brickley Alumni Association, told the board the name had deep community meaning and urged trustees to “please consider us and our family students.” Another longtime alumna, identified as Ruby F, described memories of cheering and faculty at Brinkley and said the announcement of the name return moved her to tears.
Dr. Buchanan, assistant superintendent for middle schools, recommended the change as a transition plan for sixth‑ and seventh‑grade students moving into the former Brinkley campus off Livingston Road. The administration said transportation zones would not change and identified expected modest costs for new signage, extracurricular uniforms and ongoing facility security and repurposing work for the surplus building.
Board member Frank moved the information action to proceed with the name change; the motion was seconded by Lee and approved by the board. The district will add the former Brinkley building to a repurposing list and will contact the state education agency to revise school names in official records.
Dr. Green and trustees thanked alumni and community members for their engagement; the board did not announce a formal renaming ceremony date but applauded the move as honoring the campus’ history.
