Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Naming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Proposed name for new Huron Valley middle school sparks calls for community input
Summary
The board’s first reading proposing the name "Highland Middle School" for the new Milford-area middle school prompted debate; some trustees and residents urged surveys or alternative names (including "Highland Oaks") to honor Oak Valley and other closed schools.
Board members took a first read June 15 on a resolution proposing to name the district’s new middle school "Highland Middle School" and to dedicate the school’s media center to Margaret Muir.
The proposal, presented by the committee that oversaw the project, cites the district’s Strategic Plan 2 and the school’s location in Highland as reasons for the choice. The board framed the item as a first reading; a vote was scheduled for the next regular meeting to allow additional comment.
Several trustees and community voices urged broader outreach before a final decision. Trustee Denise Pastana said she would vote no at this stage and circulated constituent feedback favoring broader recognition of Oak Valley Middle School’s legacy; she and multiple public emails suggested a compromise name such as "Highland Oaks Middle School" or running a community survey or student naming contest.
Trustees who supported the committee recommendation said naming by location maintains equity with White Lake Middle School, which is named for its community, and noted the naming process presented to the board was part of a committee recommendation, not a final action.
Board members discussed possible compromises such as dedicating portions of the new building (for example the media center or cafeteria) to preserve Oak Valley’s and Margaret Muir’s legacies. The board chair said there would be more opportunities for public comment at the next meeting and invited residents to contact trustees directly.
What’s next: The resolution was read as a first reading and will return for board action at the next meeting; the board invited public comment and direct outreach in the intervening weeks.
