Date Approved: March 08 2016
Date Reviewed/Amended: January 20 2026
The Board of Education recognizes that naming a school or school district facility is critical to creating a sense of community, unique identity, and sense of belonging for students, staff, and families. As such, the board believes that the naming or renaming of schools or district facilities should be undertaken following reasonable consultation with student and parent representatives, school and district staff, and members of the local community.
To ensure a name stands the test of time, the board believes that school or district facilities should be named in reference to historical, geographical, or operational characteristics. Consideration will be given to names that have significant meaning to students, rightsholders, and members of the community.
Naming a New School
1. The process of naming a new school shall begin as soon as possible after the school site has been purchased, and where construction is scheduled on the board’s current capital plan.
2. To determine an appropriate name, the Board of Education will appoint an ad-hoc committee to recommend a minimum of two suitable names for board consideration.
3. The committee will seek potential names by consulting with:
3.1 Rightsholders; on & off reserve
3.2 Students, staff and families of the impacted community;
3.3 Local community impacted by the decision; and
3.4 Impacted local municipalities and/or regional districts.
4. A name that is already in use in another school district, especially a neighboring school district, or that is very similar to an existing district school or facility name is to be avoided.
5. School or facility names may honor places of historical or geographical prominence, represent the intent of the school, or reflect an educational value or interest. However, schools or facilities will not be named after living or deceased persons.
6. The board may name or co-name a school or facility to reflect the language of the land and acknowledge the traditional territories on which it resides. For consideration of any Indigenous name, the rightsholders must consent and the name must be gifted to the district to ensure consistent future use. The Indigenous name may be used in addition to an official name.
7. Name selection must occur at a public meeting of the Board of Education. The board will seek public feedback on the recommended school or facility name(s) for a period of at least 30 days before final approval of the name.
8. In all cases, the final decision on naming a district school or facility will be made by the Board of Education.
Renaming a School
In addition to the above process, the following will also apply when considering the renaming of schools or district facilities:
1. The board will consider the renaming of a school or facility in limited circumstances that may include:
a. When an existing school or facility undergoes a major change of use or major rebuild/renovation.
b. Where a local municipality or regional district renames a geographic reference associated with the school; or
c. Where the name of the facility no longer aligns with board policies; or
d. Where the board receives proof of overwhelming support from the community for the renaming of a school or facility that aligns with the board’s renaming policy.
2. Where the board considers renaming a school or facility, they will receive a report regarding any potential cost implications for consideration in their decision-making process.
Related Policies and Regulations:
Province of British Columbia Naming Privileges Policy
5120-10 Naming Regulation (Under development)