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GUSD Trustees authorize name change for Plantation Elementary School, outlines next steps

"Plantation" is often associated with slavery
Posted at 4:56 PM, Mar 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-05-20 12:56:48-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — At its board meeting held Wednesday night, the Greenfield Union School District Board of Trustees voted 5-0 in favor of renaming Plantation Elementary School by the end of the 2021-22 school year.

The Board’s resolution grants District Superintendent Ramon Hendrix the authority to take all necessary and appropriate action to carry out the renaming process.

The name of Plantation Elementary School has been an evolving topic of concern among the school community in recent years due to the name’s reminder of social injustices.

The District began discussions regarding renaming the school in late 2019.

“Greenfield Union School District respects the culture, history, and viewpoints of all students, staff, parents, and the community we serve,” Superintendent Hendrix said. “With the impacts of the pandemic stabilizing, now is the appropriate time to dedicate our efforts on renaming Plantation Elementary School.”

The Board’s resolution outlines the renaming process and next steps:

- The Plantation Elementary School name will not be in use by the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

- The Superintendent will initiate a community engagement process to make recommendations for a new name for Plantation Elementary School.

- The recommended name should represent the mission, spirit, culture, and success of the school.

- The superintendent or will present the renaming recommendations to the Board for approval.

- Once a final name is selected by the Board, the District will ensure the school’s new name is reflected on all physical and electronic assets.