LCPS board votes unanimously to remove César Chávez name from elementary school
The Las Cruces Public Schools Board voted unanimously to remove César Chávez’s name from an elementary school, with the renaming process beginning immediately.
Renaming process begins immediately, with community input to shape new name under district timeline
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to remove César Chávez’s name from César E. Chávez Elementary, located at 5250 Holman Road.
The decision follows weeks of public input and prior board discussions and sets in motion a renaming process that begins immediately.
Damien Willis
District materials presented at Tuesday's meeting estimate the cost of the name change at about $13,850, including $2,200 for a new marquee, $10,100 for building lettering and $1,550 for entry floor mats. Additional administrative updates would be handled internally, according to the district.
Under a timeline outlined by the district, community feedback begins April 22, with residents invited to submit suggestions for a new school name.
Board members are expected to review recommended names and select a new name by May 19, followed by updates to school branding between May 20 and June 30.
The new name is scheduled to be officially adopted July 1.
The vote comes after the board first raised the possibility of removing Chávez’s name in March, prompting public comment and further deliberation before a final decision.
Additional details on the renaming process and background are available in Organ Mountain News' prior reporting.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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