At its final regular scheduled meeting of 2018, the Moore County School Board took action Monday on several important items.

The final reassignment plan for the new elementary school being built on Camp Easter Road was approved by the board 7-0. In comments, the board commended the hard work of the school staff and a large amount of public input and discussion that went into it.

The first class of students will be around 540 students. The school has a capacity of 800 students, and the initial class has been limited to allow greater flexibility as additional schools open. 

The board also acted on naming the new elementary school. In an emotional public comment period before the board, a group of students presented a petition seeking to name the new school the Samantha Rose Davis Elementary School. Samantha Davis was a Union Pines student who collapsed and died when running at an event last September in Charlotte.

Samantha Davis photo via Facebook.

The board thanked the students for taking the time to honor Samantha. As the board explained to the students, Moore County Schools’ policy is not to name entire schools after individuals.

There are several reasons, one of which is the number of individuals who have had a profound impact on both the schools and the community. It is also policy to name separate buildings such as libraries and stadiums in honor of such people. In comments echoed by several board members, the board indicated it would be willing to entertain ways to honor Samantha.

After a brief discussion, the board voted 7-0 to name the new school McDeeds Creek Elementary School. The naming process involved several public comment periods, public hearings, and extensive research by the school’s administrations staff. The list had been narrowed down to five names prior to the vote.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2019.

Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter, Chris Prentice.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email