Two public input sessions have been scheduled for those who would like to suggest a new name for J.J. Finley Elementary School.
On June 16th, the School Board of Alachua County voted to change the name of the school, which opened in the 1930’s and was named for a Confederate general. The Board also approved the selection of a committee of local citizens who will review all suggestions from the community and recommend a new name.Â
The target date for the Board to approve a new name is August 4. The J.J. Finley name has already been removed from the building.Â
More than 150 names have already been suggested. Those names can be found on the J.J. Finley Renaming page on the district’s website. For a direct link, go here.
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The first meeting to take additional suggestions is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the District Office at 620 E. University Avenue. Social distancing measures will be in place, and space in the boardroom will be limited. Those wishing to attend are asked to wear masks.
The second meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, July 9 from 4-6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on the district’s YouTube channel. Participants will be able to call in to that meeting to offer their suggestions.Â
Community members can still recommend a new name by submitting an email to newname@gm.sbac.edu by July 17th.Â