Durham District School Board (DDSB) has started the process that may result in the renaming of Lord Elgin Public School.
The School Naming Committee is seeking new name submissions for Lord Elgin Public School at 24 Ontario Street in
Ajax, said a DDSB notice.
It did not explain why the name change is being considered.
It is asking residents to get involved by submitting idea(s) by filling out the survey no later than 11:59 pm on October 6. Residents also have the option to indicate if they would like to keep the current name.
Submissions must support the board’s commitment to indigenous rights, human rights, equity, and anti-oppressive principles and practices. The name of a school must not interfere with a student’s right to an education free from discrimination or discriminatory barriers.
As highlighted in the DDSB School Naming Policy, the name of a school may/must be:
- The name of a renowned individual of historical significance whose contribution to the local community, Canadian society, or to the world is recognized and valued and would be seen by the community as representative of the values of the DDSB; or
- The name of a geographic landmark associated with the location of the school including a street name and the name of the community including any historical name for the community or area; or
- The name of a significant Canadian event.
A notice from Stephen Nevills, DDSB Superintendent of Education, said in no case shall any school be named after a corporation, a sitting politician, a current employee of the board, a member of the board, or a member of the immediate family of the foregoing.
It said the School Naming Committee receives, reviews, and considers submissions from the broader school community, then narrows submissions for further consultation as outlined in the procedure.
Anticipated Timeline (subject to change):
- October 6 – First consultation survey closes.
- Week of October 16 – The School Naming Committee will review and consider submissions and narrow them for a second round of community consultation.
- Mid- to late-November – Second consultation survey closes.
- Early December – The School Naming Committee will review feedback and recommend to the Board of Trustees (January 2024) the proposed new name. In accordance with the Naming of Schools Procedure, the top three choices from the School Naming Committee will be presented in either scenario.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback. We look forward to your participation. For those who wish to submit names via telephone, please contact Michelle Fannin at 905-666-6356.