Austin ISD is asking the public to suggest names for the new north central elementary school currently being built at 102. E. Rundberg Lane to alleviate overcrowding in North Austin schools.

AISD board of trustees member Ann Teich, who lives in North Austin, said the community has been discussing names since last fall, and a petition is being circulated for support for one nomination. Teich said AISD typically names buildings after people.

"It's important for people in the area to have some say for the way schools are named," she said. "We value their input."

The petition is to name the school after Army Cpl. Juan P. Navarro, who grew up in North Austin and graduated from Lanier High School in 2007. Navarro was killed July 7 in Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Department of Defense website.

Lisa Hinely, who is the chairwoman for the North Lamar Combined Neighborhood Plan contact team, which suggested Navarro's name, said he grew up on Rundberg Lane and had entered the military to pay for college. She said he was the first person in his family to be accepted into college and is remembered as having helped others during his time at Lanier.

She said so far the team has collected about a couple hundred signatures in support of suggesting Navarro's name for the new school. She said he would be a positive example for the neighborhood.

"Thousands of kids are growing up here and turning out great," she said.

The North Lamar/Georgian Acres neighborhood, where the new school is being built, has more details on Navarro on its website.

AISD will be accepting any other suggestions for the new school, as well as for the southeast bus terminal at 7200 Bluff Springs Road, until Feb. 8. The board is scheduled to vote on the names at its March 18 meeting. For additional details, visit the AISD naming page at www.austinisd.org/naming/upcoming.