Santa Rita Elementary to choose new mascot; final student submissions come to board Oct. 8

District staff told the board that Santa Rita Elementary School is moving forward with a student-led mascot change and that the school will present the board with the final three student submissions on Oct. 8 for a board vote.

"The final 3 will then, on October 8, come to the board for the final vote," said Donna Koenig, who updated the board on the mascot project. Staff described a classroom‑based process: third, fourth and fifth graders researched candidate animals, considered community and indigenous cultural connections, completed presentations and will submit entries for a school vote.

What the board learned: once the board selects the winning mascot, staff plan new apparel and marquee updates and a ribbon cutting that will "honor the history of the Santa Rita Indians," Koenig said. Board members asked to see slide presentations of student entries; Koenig said she would prepare a short slide deck so trustees could review how entries evolved.

Why it matters: board members said they want to both recognize the community history and move forward with a changed mascot. Trustees discussed the importance of honoring indigenous history while updating district symbols; staff emphasized student involvement in research and decision-making.

Timing and process details: only third, fourth and fifth graders are participating in the research and initial submissions; the school will vote internally to choose finalists and present the top three to the board Oct. 8. A specific date for ribbon cutting was not announced at the meeting.

No formal board action was taken at the meeting; the board will consider the finalists at the October meeting.