The Grand Rapids Press: Panel wants Hall School named for Cesar Chavez

AP PhotoLabor hero: Cesar Chavez formed the United Farm Workers and fought to improve the lives of migrant workers.

GRAND RAPIDS — The new Hall Elementary School should have a new moniker, too, says a community group that wants to honor the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.

Superintendent Bernard Taylor and several Board of Education members say they like the idea, too, but have to gather community input before formally signing off on the plan.

The new Hall Elementary is being built at Hall Street SW and Grandville Avenue, an area that is home to many Hispanics.

Teacher Lupe Ramos-Montigny said Chavez is a hero to that group and others. Chavez formed the United Farm Workers and fought to improve the lives of migrant workers.

"Cesar Chavez said we cannot leave a better legacy for our children than a good education," Ramos-Montigny told board members Monday. "We need to name a school after this great and courageous man. He is a model for all citizens, not just in the U.S. but around the world."

The new name was pitched by four members of the group Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez, which in 2001 worked with city leaders to give Grandville Avenue a commemorative designation and in 2006 created a scholarship at Grand Rapids Community College for Hispanic students.

The idea of naming Hall after Chavez was raised in 2005 by former Superintendent Bert Bleke, who also pushed naming the building replacing Henry Paidea Academy after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

The school board in response drafted policies for naming buildings that call for community meetings.

Board member Amy McGlynn said she likes the idea, but said the district must follow the policy.

"I know you were hoping for an answer," she said.

E-mail Dave Murray: dmurray@grpress.com