Letter to the Editors: Superintendent Guillory salutes name change effort

Superintendent+of+Schools+Linus+Guillory+encourages+staff+to+remain+open-minded+to+different+perspectives+amidst+a+complex+name+change+process.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Superintendent of Schools Linus Guillory encourages staff to remain open-minded to different perspectives amidst a complex name change process.

Greetings,
I salute your inquiry-based approach into the name & history that has been the trademark of the Brookline High School newspaper for nearly 130 years. As you undertake this exercise, I urge you to remain open to the diverse perspectives you will hear as well as be mindful that the change process can be complex. There have been countless examples throughout the years of organizations/groups deciding to change the name of a company, building, school… and the list goes on and on, for very compelling reasons. In each case, a process ensued that allowed all individuals/ parties/stakeholders to weigh-in, to explain their thinking, share support and/or express their concerns. Most recently, the Town of Brookline and the Public Schools of Brookline engaged in a process that resulted in one of our school communities being renamed to Florida Ruffin Ridley; similarly now, the Heath School is leading a process to change its name. Teaching and educating are your best tools for leading this work; use them wisely.

Linus J. Guillory
Superintendent of Schools