Eric Olivas and Senator Luz Robles who supports the renaming of Parkview Elementary
TEXT OF LETTER TO BOARD PRESIDENT:
16 September 2014
Delivered Via Electronic Mail
Kristi Swett, President
℅ Board of Education
2256 South King Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
Re: School Board Agenda Request
Dear President Swett,
I am requesting that the issue of renaming Parkview Elementary, be placed on the October 7, 2014 School Board meeting action agenda.
As you are aware, Eagle Scout candidate Erick Olivas (East High student) has spent the last year working on his Eagle Project (he started the process in August 2013) to honor the sacrifice of his neighbor, Army Sgt. Rocky Herrera, who died Aug. 28, 2007, in Afghanistan while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.
You will also recall that eight months ago, I asked you to place this issue on the agenda of the March 4, 2014, School Board meeting. Although you refused to do so, Erick and others nevertheless, spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting (see attached minutes). Following the public remarks, the School Board authorized the formation of “a committee, chaired by the building administrator, for further input” as set forth in Administrative Procedures G-16 (see attached procedures).
The next steps as outlined in Administrative Procedures G-16 renaming process:
c. The committee to rename a school facility will consist of the SCC, with representation from various attendance areas, and students.
d. The committee will submit a written recommendation, with supporting rationale, to the superintendent and the board of education.
e. The board will consider the committee recommendations and other public input.
f. The board of education will make a final decision.
As indicated in my February 20, 2014, letter to you, Eric has dutifully and faithfully followed the steps outlined in the district’s administrative policy.
Administrative Procedures G-16:
1. Considerations: The name will promote the mission of the district and lend dignity and status to the facility. The following will be considered:
a. The name may reflect a logical association with the facility, such as a location or function;
b. The name may be that of a distinguished person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, state, or nation;
c. The name may be that of a prominent local geographical feature; or
d. Any other name that promotes the mission of the district as determined by the board.
3. Renaming Process: The process will include opportunities for community input:
a. A written petition may be sent to the board of education to consider the renaming of a district facility.
b. The board may send the request to a committee, chaired by the building administrator, for further input.
I believe that the committee has had sufficient time to perform the task that they were assigned eight months ago. I am now requesting that this item be placed on the agenda for the October 7th, School Board meeting so that the Board of Education may deliberate on this most important and vital community desire:
e. The board will consider the committee recommendations and other public input.
f. The board of education will make a final decision.
Shalom,
J. Michael Clára
Board Member, District 2
cc: Senator Luz Robles
Representative Angela Romero
Councilman Kyle LaMalfa
Commissioner Scott Christensen, BSA
Eagle Scout Candidate Erick Olivas