Elementary school naming deadline is approaching

The Washougal School District is seeking nominations for names for its new elementary school. The deadline to submit suggestions is Jan. 20.

“We have had more than 110 community members participate by sharing their ideas for the new school’s name,” said Patricia Boles, WSD assistant superintendent. “There is still time to get more suggestions in. We’d love as many as we can get.”

The School Facilities Naming Recommendation Committee, under the leadership of Boles, is charged with conducting the search for names and then narrowing down the list to three to five recommendations. The Washougal School Board will make the final decision.

An electronic name nomination survey is available at www.washougal.k12.wa.us.

A paper survey is available at the WSD office at 4855 Evergreen Way in Washougal for individuals who do not have internet access. All recommendations must include a short description of why this name should be considered.

According to policy, acceptable school and facility names must meet certain criteria. They must be after a person who has attained national or local prominence in the fields of education, arts and science, politics, military achievement and statesmanship; a past president or Washington State national senator or representative; or after the geographic characteristics of the area.

The committee is taking into consideration whether the name is known and significant to the district’s community and that it does not conflict with the names of other schools in the district or surrounding districts. The use of names of living people are to be avoided unless the circumstances warrant an exception.

The new, 400 student elementary school will be located at the Jemtegaard Middle School campus and is being funded by the voter-approved $57 million bond. Construction will begin this summer and be complete by July 2018. Todd Construction is the general contractor.