The School Committee on March 20 discussed developing a clearer policy and process for naming district spaces — rooms, fields or other facilities — after people or organizations.

The chair and several committee members said the district's current policy provides little guidance beyond a general preference against memorializing deceased individuals and that the committee should adopt guiding principles and a vetting process.

"I think partly because there's no process," a committee member said, "laying out a process as well as getting some alignment on the principles would be, I think, really helpful."

Committee members suggested forming a working group — not a formal standing subcommittee — that could include one School Committee representative, community members and staff to draft principles and a recommended process. The group would vet nominations, conduct background checks or other due diligence as appropriate, and bring recommendations to the full School Committee. Several members said they prefer periodic reviews (for example, every 6–12 months) rather than ad hoc immediate decisions.

Members also raised concerns about naming decisions made in moments of emotion and pointed to practices in other districts that impose waiting periods or objective criteria (length of service, demonstrated impact, community benefit) to reduce controversy.

The committee agreed to form a working group to draft guiding principles and a recommended process; membership and specifics will be determined and reported at a future meeting.