Austin ISD seeks suggestions for renaming middle school

"In recognizing what it is that James E. Pearce did for our community, did for Austin High all those years, two weeks ago at our board dialogue I made the suggestion that we somehow dedicate this as the Young Women's Leadership Academy—under whoever's name—at the James E. Pearce campus to be able to honor his memory," he said.

This is a common practice in AISD. For example, the former Johnston High School was renamed Eastside Memorial High School at the Johnston campus. According to board policy, if the school is renamed, the district should determine an appropriate use of the former name before the change is made.

Trustee Cheryl Bradley, who was a strong supporter of the transition of Pearce and Garcia to the single-sex schools model, said she would not support Mathias' suggestion.

AISD began the renaming process March 6 with an official kickoff and email announcements including an online nomination form, Chief Schools Officer Paul Cruz told the board. Community members have until March 20 to submit nominations.

After reviewing the feedback, the board is slated to take action April 28 on a new name.

More information is available at www.austinisd.org/naming.