District proposes formal process for naming facilities; board asks to include awards

The superintendent presented a draft procedure on Sept. 1 for naming district facilities and recommended the board consider the proposal at the next meeting.

Under the proposed process, nominations would be submitted on an official form that lists the proposed name, the facility to be named, a rationale, and three letters of support; a standing district-nominating committee would review submissions and recommend approval, modification or denial to the board, which holds final authority. "The nomination would include the name of the individual or the proposed name, the rationale, the facility that'll be named, and 3 letters of support," the superintendent said.

Several board members suggested broadening the policy to allow named awards, scholarships or recurring recognitions rather than only plaques on walls. One member said awards can have more lasting impact for students than a plaque, and several colleagues agreed. The superintendent said she would incorporate that suggestion and bring a revised procedure back to the board for consideration.

This item was presented for information; no formal vote was taken. Staff will return with a revised procedure that could be considered at the next board meeting.