Monday, May 22 at 4 p.m. in school gym
(Spanish) After a student contacted the district to propose changing the name of Columbus Elementary, a committee was formed to explore the idea. The student noted that the school’s namesake was more than a world explorer; he also trafficked in slaves and, in the process, nearly destroyed the native population of what was then called Hispaniola.
The committee – composed of students, school staff, Columbus PTA members and district staff – reached out to Linfield University and the Willamette Education Service District for input on the history and process required to change a school’s name.
In collaboration, the decision was made to find a new name for Columbus. If you are interested in sharing input on naming possibilities, please join us for a community conversation on Monday, May 22 at 4 p.m. in the Columbus gym.