FFA-RENAMING/DEDICATING/MEMORIALIZING SCHOOL UNIT PROPERTY
File: FFA
RENAMING/DEDICATING/MEMORIALIZING SCHOOL UNIT PROPERTY
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide the framework and criteria for the special dedication of buildings, space(s) within a school building, or other facilities on school property.
II. General Statement of Policy
From time to time the School Board of MSAD/RSU #11 may choose to recognize
outstanding service to the learning community by dedicating or naming an appropriate
area (i.e., playground, library, gymnasium, auditorium, athletic field, etc.) in honor
of an individual.
Naming of school buildings, spaces within a school building, or other facilities on school
property is a means of honoring persons who have made significant, lasting contributions
to the students, staff, and community of MSAD/RSU #11. Personal prejudice,
favoritism, political pressure or temporary popularity should not be factors in
determining whether to honor someone by naming a building, space, or facility after
them.
The MSAD/RSU #11 School Board reserves unto itself the right and authority to approve the naming of school buildings, spaces within a school building, or other facilities on
School property. The Superintendent of Schools will develop and administer
Administrative procedures in support of this policy.
III. Guidelines and Criteria
A. This policy applies to the naming of school buildings, spaces within a school
building, or other facilities on school property.
B. Names which possess a potential for controversy should be avoided, such as
names of political parties. Names which might contain or imply prejudice
of a racial, religious, ethnic, and/or political philosophy should be avoided.
C. Honorees may not be an employee of the school district at the time of
School Board approval of the dedication.
D. Honorees may not be recognized under this policy more than once.
E. School buildings, spaces within school buildings, or other facilities on school
property generally should not be re-named or re-dedicated once they have been
dedicated to an honoree.
F. Recognized contributions and service
1. Honorees must have made significant, lasting contributions that are consistent
with the educational mission of MSAD/RSU #11 to the students, faculty, staff,
or school district community.
2. Contributions should be commensurately related to the building, space,
or facility proposed for naming.
3. Contributions or service may have been through employment, volunteer
service, board service, or through significant gifts or money or property to
MSAD/RSU #11.
IV. Procedures
A. Proposals or petitions to name a building, space within a building or other
school facility may be made by faculty, staff, students, parents, or community
members. Nominations will be submitted in writing to the Superintendent at
least three (3) months in advance of the naming of the facility. Written nominations
for the naming of a facility or portion of a facility must provide evidence of
significant community input and must outline the justifications for the name being
suggested, The Superintendent will convene an ad hoc committee made up of
school staff, a School Board member, parents, a student, and community members
to review the nomination and make recommendations to the School Board. The
committee’s review will include an analysis of any opportunity cost that would
result from approving the request.
B. At the request of the Superintendent, the MSAD/RSU #11 School Board Chairperson shall place a dedication request on the agenda of a regular school board meeting for discussion and consideration. The MSAD/RSU #11 School Board will allow for public comment on the recommendations of the committee during at least two consecutive School Board meetings before acting on the recommendations. MSAD/RSU #11 School Board Members must vote in favor of the proposal to gain approval and move forward with the naming.
C. If the MSAD/RSU #11 School Board approves a dedication, this will be followed as soon as possible by a formal dedication ceremony. The ceremony should encompass a presentation of an official proclamation and the placement of an appropriate plaque to commemorate the honoree’s contributions to MSAD/RSU #11. Sensitivity and common sense must be reflected in the timing of any public recognition. No unit funds are to be used for the purchase or installation of plaques for dedications without approval of the MSAD/RSU #11 School Board.
D. Alterations of buildings, spaces within buildings, or other facilities must be approved in advance by the MSAD/RSU #11 School Board (including sources of funding), and be in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.
E. No dedicatory ceremony for any facility is to take place before formal approval by the MSAD/RSU #11 School Board.
Adopted: June 3, 2010