Should district rename ALAH high school?
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The Arthur Board of Education covered a wide range of topics during its recent meeting on Dec. 17, including community donations, approval of the 2025 tax levy, financing for the new high school project, and an extended discussion about the district’s high school name.
The meeting opened with recognition of five community donations totaling $17,322.92, which Board members described as an outstanding and generous month of giving. Donations included $2,000 from the Atwood Everyday Needy Fund for Atwood Hammond Grade School for purchase of coats and lunches, approximately $500 from Sara Sentel, Country Financial, for a full pallet of popcorn bags, $15,000 from an anonymous donor to Giving Tuesday benefiting teachers throughout the district as well as principals’ convenience accounts, $200 from Monica Green for the PB&J program, and $1,622.92 from Knights Sports Boosters for new hurdles for high school and junior high.
Following the donations report, the Board approved the 2025 tax levy as the public hearing was held earlier.
The Board then unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $5.2 million in alternate revenue bonds to support construction of the new high school, as well as repairs and improvements to other district facilities. Administrators noted that updated projections indicate sales tax revenue could generate more funding than initially estimated, potentially reducing the amount needed from district fund balances.
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussion of high school naming and branding. Several Board members expressed concerns that the current name, while historically representative of the district’s legacy communities, is lengthy and sometimes confusing. With construction of a new high school underway, some members felt now may be the most practical time to consider whether a name change or renaming without full rebranding should be explored.
Board member Mitch Fleming stated, “I think the name of our high school is a mouthful. I also think it was appropriate at the time of its inception so that it kind of encapsulated and represented each and every legacy district that was being represented at the time. We talk about things like wanting to be one district, wanting to be united, wanting to be one, yet we have a name that gives credence to each individual community.”
He added this doesn’t have to be done and also stated “ We’re about to build a brand-new building that will have the name of the building or the school all over it so if there’s any momentum behind doing something like this, now is the time to discuss it.”
Justin Wierman commented, “Much like Mitch said, I think you have an outstanding time right now with a brand-new building to potentially, if we ever wanted to truly do it, it’s now or never. I don’t think you necessarily have to change school colors or mascots because I know that entails extra costs with uniforms, etc., not a ton of money but it’s still money and we’re spending enough right now as it is, but get something that all four towns could rally around.”
Both Fleming and Wierman mentioned the flak from other schools, other communities, and people in our own school district regarding the ALAH acronym and how it is pronounced.
Jenny Moore stated, “Renaming or rebranding I think are two different topics completely. And I think either way, you need to decide if we are renaming or rebranding.
Rebranding it is everything and renaming is changing the name of the high school and keeping the colors and the logos and the mascot the same.”
President Beth Wiley remarked, “I have always been very proud of the fact that we were not afraid to call it what it is — nobody questions where we’re located. At the time we didn’t involve the communities, but the students voted on the mascot and colors. Part of me thinks that this shouldn’t necessarily come from us.”
“I’m a little bit torn. Yes, there are requests, I have had them as well to change the name. But is this something that comes from the communities?” Brock Casteel asked. He added maybe just putting it out there to get a better feel if this is a real issue or not for our district in some way.
While the Board agreed that renaming the school is a major decision, some felt that they should involve the community. Questions were raised about whether a survey would truly represent district sentiment and whether a simple yes-or-no vote could unintentionally create expectations for immediate action. Some members emphasized pride in the district’s current name, noting it reflects the history of how the communities came together.
Ultimately, no action was taken, but the Board agreed to place high school renaming on the agenda for further discussion at a future meeting.
Superintendent Cheek provided BLDD AND CORE updates on the new high school project timeline, noting that design development is progressing and bid packages for mass demolition and abatement of asbestos are being prepared to go out. Damien Schlitt from BLDD will be scheduling another meeting with staff right after the first of the year.
The Board also discussed potential uses for an upcoming $50,000 maintenance grant, which requires district matching funds, including the shed updates that have been talked about previously, restroom updates, drainage improvements, door replacements, and additional fascia repairs all at the Lovington Grade School.
The meeting concluded with expressions of appreciation for custodians and maintenance crews for their work during the winter weather.
Personnel Report;
• hired Grace Taylor as a Social Worker for AHGS for 2026-2027 School Year
• hired Mackenzie Rocke as JH Science Teacher at AGS
Extra Curricular
• hired Adam Reel as a volunteer Assistant Coach for HS Boys Track