Massena Central School Board discusses facility naming
Feb. 20—MASSENA — The requirement for 1,000 signatures to honor an individual with the naming of a Massena Central School facility will stand.
School board President Paul A. Haggett had questioned the requirements, saying he felt they were too extensive — a minimum of 1,000 signatures and a minimum of 100 letters of support.
"I think we passed it in 2019. I never liked the thresholds that were set. I've always felt that was just too high of a bar, and I would like to request the Policy Committee take another look at that and see if that couldn't be modified," Haggett said in December.
The committee opted to maintain the policy as written, according to board member Zachary J. Monroe.
Monroe said they discussed the number of signatures versus voting population figures before making their decision.
"We had some discussion about how 1,000 signatures represents roughly 1/7th of community voter input currently. So, the recommendation was to keep that policy as written," he said.
Board member Robert M. LeBlanc asked if the policy was on agenda as an action item for approval.
"No, it was just a question," Haggett said. "I requested that the Policy Committee go back and look at that because it's my belief that the number of letters and the number of signatures is too high, and I just made the request. I very much appreciate that you took the time in the meeting to have more discussion on that. I do appreciate that.
According to the policy, there may be "rare circumstances where the honoree's contributions to the District have been at a level of significance that warrants greater recognition" through the naming of a facility or a portion of it.
"Such action will require considerable community support and documented achievement of the honoree to merit this highest level of acknowledgement," the policy reads.
The requirements for consideration include completion of a Recognition Nomination Form, and a petition with a minimum of 1,000 signatures supporting the plan,and a minimum of 100 letters of support that must be original rather than form letters. There is also a 45-day comment period for the presentation of oral and written correspondence.
"The Board of Education will consider the input received from the community and the record of the individual's contributions before making a final decision. Such decision will be made following the 45 day comment period at a meeting of the Board of Education," the policy reads.
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