Frisco ISD's most recently named school, Lebanon Trail High School, is slated to open in 2016. Between now and 2020, FISD may be opening about 10 more schools, according to district officials.
With FISD totaling more than 60 schools in the coming years, finding new school names could be a daunting process.
But Frisco's rich history lends itself to a multitude of influential people and landmarks after which to name schools, said Shana Wortham, FISD executive director of communications.
"The only problem is that there are so many people you would like to name a school for. ...you ultimately know that you can't name [a school] for everyone," she said.
With new schools opening each year, FISD's naming process is an annual occurrence. The school district tries to name a school before finalizing its construction contract so everyone involved can begin calling it by its permanent name, Wortham said.
To name a new school a committee made up of local residents considers a list of names nominated by those in the community. This committee meets about every two years, Wortham said.
The committee then submits the list of names to a FISD board of trustees subcommittee, which ultimately makes a recommendation to the board for a vote. The subcommittee could consider as many as 10 to 15 names for each new school, Wortham said.
Anyone can nominate a school name, Wortham said, as long as the name meets one of the following guidelines:
- a former FISD employee whose contributions went above and beyond the normal call of duty
- a resident who served the school district long and well in unpaid or volunteer roles
- a public servant who has greatly contributed to the success of the school system and its students
- a public figure at the local, county, regional, state or national level who has championed the causes of education and/or is an excellent role model for youth
- the historical significance of the area where it is built or to honor the traditions and heritage of the community
- a person who makes a significant contribution of money or real property to FISD.
The board and subcommittee have to keep other things in mind as well, such as making sure schools do not have the same initials, Wortham said. For instance, Lebanon Trail High School was once named Lebanon High School. The board voted to change the name because the original name had the same initials as Liberty High School.
The board used to only name schools after people if they were no longer living, Wortham said. But several years ago the board began naming schools after people who were still alive and, sometimes, still active in the community.
"Some of those citizens are very active with their schools, and it's just brought great joy to their lives and also helps enrich the experience for students and faculty, too," Wortham said.
Justin Wakeland, FISD superintendent from 1978-97 and a founding member of Collin County Community College, said having a high school named for him was the highest honor he has ever received.
"I keep track of [the students]," Wakeland said. "I always follow the sports and the music and everything. I'm really proud of them."