Title
Renaming of Middle College High School
Division of School Operations
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Brief Description:
description
(Renaming of Middle College School High School) Recommends approval of renaming the school to Dr. George J. McKenna III Middle College High School.
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Recommendation
Action Proposed:
Approval of the renaming of Middle College High School to Dr. George J. McKenna III Middle College High School consistent with BUL-5549.4 (Naming/Renaming Schools, Buildings, Fields, and Other Spaces on Campus). This school is in Board District 1, Region South.
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Body
Background:
Middle College High School is located in the heart of the West Athens community, an area that has been central to Dr. McKenna’s work. Dr. George J. McKenna III has served the West Athens community for over 40 years in a variety of influential roles, most recently as a Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member for District 1. The school principal has stated that renaming Middle College High School would be a meaningful way to honor his extraordinary contributions and ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future students.
Dr. George J. McKenna’s legacy is defined by integrity, courage, and a deep dedication to educational equity. His leadership has inspired countless educators and opened doors for young people. The school community is enthusiastic about renaming Middle College High School in his honor, and parents, and community members believe this would be a meaningful way to pay tribute to his dedication and passion to the community. Middle College High School takes pride in its commitment to academic excellence, academic rigor, and college readiness and reflects the very values Dr. McKenna has championed throughout his career. Some community members believe it would be a tremendous honor for the school to carry his name and continue his legacy of being student-centered with strong advocacy for educational transformation.
Expected Outcomes:
The school and community voted to change the name of Middle College High School to Dr. George J. McKenna, III Middle College High School.
Board Options and Consequences:
If the Board of Education votes “Yes” the name of the school will change to Dr. George J. McKenna III Middle College High School.
If the Board of Education votes “No” the name of the school will remain Middle College High School.
Policy Implications:
None
Budget Impact:
The total estimated cost to update the school’s name is $16,368. Funding for this project has been fully identified and will be covered through an allocation of $20,000 from Region South under Program 11141 to support the school’s name change.
Student Impact:
Renaming the school would strengthen the connection between the school and the community. The new school name would serve as a lasting reminder of a shared commitment to educational excellence, reflecting the advocacy and legacy of Dr. George J. McKenna III.
Equity Impact:
Non-Applicable
Issues and Analysis:
Non-Applicable
Below is the breakdown of the voting that took place. There was a total of 277 collected ballots.
|
Proposed School Names |
Students |
% |
Staff |
% |
Parents |
% |
Total |
|
Middle College HS |
113 |
78% |
5 |
23% |
34 |
25% |
152 |
|
Dr. George J. McKenna III Middle College HS |
31 |
22% |
15 |
74% |
79 |
75% |
125 |
Attachments:
None
Submitted:
04/30/26
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, APPROVED & PRESENTED BY:
______________________________ _____________________________
ANDRES E. CHAIT PEDRO SALCIDO
Acting Superintendent Deputy Superintendent
Business Services & Operations
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED & PRESENTED BY:
______________________________ ______________________________
DEVORA NAVERA REED DEBRA BRYANT
General Counsel Acting Chief of School Operations
Division of School Operations
___ Approved as to form.
REVIEWED BY:
______________________________
KURT E. JOHN
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
___ Approved as to budget impact statement.