School Renaming Committee Virtual Hearing - February 27, 2025

This virtual hearing held by the Charles County Public Schools on February 27, 2025, focused on the renaming of General Smallwood Middle School. The School Renaming Committee presented three recommended new names—Pomac Ridge Middle School, West Charles Middle School, and Westside Middle School—to the Board of Education. The committee reviewed 41 community-submitted names, applying board policy criteria, and ultimately favored geographic names to promote inclusivity and community pride, particularly emphasizing the west side of Charles County. The committee also discussed the importance of maintaining the school's mascot and the potential cost implications of renaming. Community feedback, including informal student polls, was sought during the meeting, with the committee planning to present further updates and community input to the Board of Education at its March 11 meeting. No direct procurement or contracting decisions were made during this session, but the renaming process may involve future budget considerations related to the costs of implementing a new school name.