In a recent meeting of the Worcester School Committee, significant discussions centered around the renaming of two schools, reflecting the community's values and historical significance.

The committee addressed a public petition to rename the Chairman Magnet Elementary School to the Betty Price Magnet Elementary School, honoring Betty Price, a noted civil rights leader and former school committee member. Member Jermaine emphasized Price's contributions to the Worcester community, particularly her advocacy for African Americans and her role in the school system during the 1970s. The committee unanimously voted to file the petition, indicating a strong support for recognizing Price's legacy.

Additionally, the committee deliberated on renaming the Chandler Magnet La Familia School. Superintendent McCullough presented the results of extensive community surveys conducted to gauge preferences for the new name. The surveys revealed a divided opinion among stakeholders, with three names shortlisted: La Familia Chandler Magnet School, Nuestra Dual Language Magnet School, and Worcester Dual Language Magnet School.

Despite the close vote counts, with only a few votes separating the top choices, McCullough recommended \"Nuestra Dual Language Magnet School,\" citing its alignment with the school's mission and the community's desire for a name that reflects its dual language program. This recommendation was met with mixed reactions from committee members, with some advocating for the name that received the most votes, while others supported the administration's choice for its cultural significance.

Ultimately, the committee's discussions highlighted the complexities of renaming schools, particularly in merging identities from two different school communities. The decision-making process underscored the importance of community input and the need for a name that fosters unity and reflects the school's values. The committee is expected to continue deliberating on the final name selection in upcoming meetings.