The new school will replace Las Animas Elementary School
n By Heather Bremner Staff Writer
Gilroy – Construction of the new elementary school is already underway but the facility, scheduled to open next fall, is still lacking one important element: a name.
That’s why district officials are asking community members to weigh in and bring suggestions to the table at an upcoming meeting. During the Sept. 14 pow-wow, locals will have the chance to submit ideas and critique suggestions.
Since the district announced last school year that it planned to rename the school that will eventually replace Las Animas Elementary School, suggestions have slowly flowed into this newspaper. One individual recommended naming Gilroy’s new elementary school after Jeramy Ailes, the young U.S. Marine and Gilroy native killed in Iraq two years ago.
Another proposed Charles Gubser, a Gilroy High School graduate who returned to his alma mater to teach and later entered politics. And some Gilroyans have requested that the district keep the same name.
But since the replacement school will be located in the southwest side of town on the corner of Luchessa Avenue and Greenfield Drive, nowhere near its Spanish land grant namesake, Superintendent Edwin Diaz suggested that the district give it a new label.
The land where Las Animas is currently located will be placed on the market. The district plans to use the cash from the sale to fund the construction of Gilroy’s second high school.
A Las Animas Renaming Committee, comprised of district officials, students and community members, has already been assembled. For a submission to be considered the name must reflect one or more of the following, according to board policy:
– Individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the school community, Gilroy or surrounding area.
– Individuals who have made significant contributions across the state, nation or world.
– The geographic area in which the facility is located or historic significance.
– Name of schools that have been demolished.
The submission deadline is Sept. 19 at 5pm. Suggestions may be made at the September meeting or sent to: Naming Committee, 7810 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy, CA, 95020.
