Peru CSD to host town hall meetings

PERU | The Peru Central School District will host a pair of superintendent town hall meetings this week to discuss the changing of the schools' namesake. The PCS board of education voted 7-0 on July 14 to retire the moniker Indians immediately, moving to find a new nickname for the school while stating they would continue to hold on to the traditions already set in place. "The board of education is respectful of the past and the pride that was exhibited over the years through success Peru has accomplished but it is time to move forward and create a new nickname and mascot for the district," said a school statement announcing the town hall meetings. "The district's new mascot is going to be created based on recommendations to the board of education from a stakeholder group consisting of students, community members, administrators, and staff." Pair of meetings School superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer will lead both meetings as part of the process of finding a new moniker and mascot for the district. "I want to give everyone a chance to speak from the heart," Palmer said in an interview following the decision to retire the name. "After those meetings, we will develop a task force and move forward." The meeting agenda will include a statement on the board of education's decision, an overview of the next steps in developing a stakeholder group, and a public comment period. Palmer said they plan to unveil a new mascot at the September board meeting. The first meeting will be held Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m., in the high school parking lot area, and is open to all students who currently attend school in the district. The second meeting will take place Wednesday, 6 p.m., also in the high school parking lot, and is open to the greater community. According to county and state guidelines, both outdoor meetings allow for 50 people to attend chairs that will be socially distanced six feet apart for participants. Masks also must be worn by all in attendance. The district will also have the events live-streamed, with additional information posted on the district website (perucsd.org) and Facebook page. Name change and reaction "As part of the district's efforts to provide a more inclusive and welcoming environment in line with its mission and core beliefs, the (school) board believes that it has the responsibility to correct this culturally inappropriate and offensive mascot as times have changed since the creation of the Indian as the mascot," said the statement announcing the town hall meetings. Reaction to the announcement came quickly, with many voicing concerns and disappointment over the decision, while others approved of the move and some said it was "just a matter of time." "They had already taken the Indian logo off years ago because it was an issue," said Facebook user Abrin Allen on the Sun Community News Page. "A few local schools did this back when I was in middle school. It was only a matter of time before it was all going to be changed. Many schools will end up doing the same" "The seven board members and superintendent had no right to make this decision with the input of the public. They should be removed," said user Michelle Linn Perrotte. Angie Medley said she felt this was not the end of name changes locally. "I have a feeling Saranac will be next. They already changed our logo awhile back. Who decided on mountains. It doesn't even fit in with everything. Now the name. I'm sure many of us will be in the same boat soon. "I don't think a seven-person board should be able to change names without the support of the students, parents, and taxpayers. At the very least hold a meeting before deciding to do it," Medley added. Jared Marrone questioned why the "Indian moniker existed. "I never understood why people call natives "Indians" anyway, they're not from India. They're not even technically 'Native Americans' because they were native before it was called the Americas. Shouldn't they be referred to by their tribal heritage, Cherokee, Sioux, Apache, Abenaki? Or maybe people should take the time to talk to tribal leaders and ask them what they feel is appropriate. Its their opinions that really matter."

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Peru CSD to host town hall meetings

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