After hearing a recommendation made by a community committee, the board passed first reading to name the school Ruhamah Elementary in a 6-2 vote with trustees B.J. Skelton and Kevin Kay voting against it.
Skelton asked the reasoning behind the committee’s recommendation when the majority of input from the pubic suggested naming the school after Chastain Road, where it will be located.
John Callaham, who served on the committee, explained to the board that the area near the new school location had always been referred to as the Ruhamah community; that a school there prior to consolidation, went by that name and that a church in the area also shares the “Ruhamah” title.
Skelton pointed out that the name Ruhamah was only suggested by one member of the public while Chastain or Chastain Road was suggested 16 times.
Superintendent Henry Hunt said the school district asked for suggestions but the procedure followed was for the committee to choose a name to recommend to the board, which must name the school according to district policy.
Board Chairman Jim Shelton, who represents the Dacusville area, voted in favor of the Ruhamah name but also said he shared Skelton’s concerns.
He also said the exact attendance area for the new school had not been established and asked if the name would be inclusive to all students or if the intent was to name it after the area the school will be located.
Skelton also pointed out that the new Liberty High School will be located on Ruhamah Road.
Oscar Thorsland, the Liberty representative, said it was his understanding that after a second meeting, most of those who suggested the name Chastain changed their minds.
Chastain Road Elementary was the third choice made by the committee, and the second choice suggested was W.E. Woodson Jr. Elementary, in memory of a long-time principal at Liberty Elementary and respected member of the community.
The board will have plenty of time to listen to public concerns and comments about the proposed name since they will note hold a final vote until their next regular meeting the last week in August.
“This is just preliminary acceptance of the committee’s recommendation,” said Shirley Jones, at-large member.
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