The new elementary school being built to replace Highland Elementary could keep its longtime name, or it could open under an entirely new one. Members of the Highland community are currently being asked to weigh in on what that name should be.
The new school is being constructed as Highland Elementary is relocated from its current site, which district officials have said is no longer cost-effective to renovate. The new facility will sit about a half mile from the existing campus, with its main entrance facing Hayden Road — a move approved by the school board earlier this year.
Under district policy, a naming committee is formed whenever a new school opens to gather community input. Daviess County Public Schools Superintendent Charles Broughton said the committee includes three staff members, three parents, one community member, and the school principal. That group gathers feedback from the school community and narrows suggestions down to three recommended names. Those names are sent to Broughton, who then makes a recommendation to the board. The board has final authority on the decision.
The DCPS Board was initially expected to vote on a name during a special-called meeting Thursday, but the item was tabled. Broughton said the pause was intentional after concerns that winter weather and timing limited participation when the committee first met in late January.
“We’re not in an ultra rush here,” Broughton said. “A couple of weeks is not going to make or break anything.”
While the relocation distance is relatively short, Broughton said it still opens the door for a name change, and keeping “Highland” is not guaranteed.
“It is possible that none of the three would be Highland,” he said. “It’s up to the committee to make those recommendations.”
Broughton said district policy also requires a school’s name to reflect its surrounding area, which naturally narrows the list of viable options.
He said Highland families should have received communication from the school outlining how to submit name recommendations.
The board is expected to consider the three recommended names later this month.
