New names for schools: PAISD to consider renaming Robert E. Lee and Dick Dowling Elementary Schools
Published 9:24 pm Wednesday, August 22, 2018
By Lorenzo Salinas
What’s in a name? School board officials may find that out during their regular board meeting.
Port Arthur Independent School District board of trustees will meet Thursday evening at the Administration Building to hold its regular agenda forum.
Among agenda items regarding the new budget for 2018-2019, the board will also consider the possible renaming of Robert E. Lee and Dick Dowling Elementary Schools, both of whom made their mark in history as Confederate military figures. Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia; the Texas Brigade distinguished itself fighting under Lee. Dowling was the hero of the Second Battle of Sabine Pass, where a small band of Confederates thwarted a Union military invasion.
“The discussion presented itself when we were faced with choosing the signage for the new Dick Dowling Elementary building,” superintendent Mark Porterie said.
Porterie said the question of renaming has popped up from time to time, but no definite decision had been made.
“We definitely do not want to pay for signage for a new school and then find ourselves changing the name of the school,” he said.
Porterie was clear in stating that there had been no specific group of individuals who had approached the board to change the names of the schools.
“Our community has always been rich in history and tradition. The two schools have afforded thousands of children an education of which we are proud,” Porterie said.
“We have taught the history of Robert E. Lee and Dick Dowling, and have used that teaching to instill values within our students.”
Porterie maintained that no name change would take away the “wonderful memories” that staff and students hold from the schools.
“The consideration of changing the names is not intended to cause a separation of our community or to publicly shame any individual,” he said. “If the board decides to make a charge, the name will be inclusive of our entire community.”
If the decision the board makes results in a renaming of both schools, Porterie confirmed that the public would have a say in the renaming process.
“If the board wishes, the district will receive recommendations for a period of time,” he said. “The board will have a public hearing to hear from the community and, if appropriate, decide on any new names.”
The last time the board considered a renaming of both schools was at the Aug. 24 board meeting last year. The board had agreed to further discuss the possibility of renaming the schools for the Sep. 28 meeting.
However, the impact of Tropical Storm Harvey nearly a week later significantly delayed the proceedings.
The board will also consider approving the proposed 2018-2019 PAISD budget and salary schedule.
“Budget planning… has again been an enormous process,” Porterie said. “This budget allows for the maximum preservation of jobs, which is great for the community.”
According to Porterie, the proposed budget includes a total of more than 1,300 PAISD employees and raises the starting teacher salary to $48,500.
It would also include a compensation plan to adjust the salaries of employees who have been with the district for a number of years.
The open board meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Administration Building in the administration boardroom on 4801 Ninth Ave. in Port Arthur.
