New Names For Dixie School District, Elementary School ​In Marin

SAN RAFAEL, CA – The controversial names of the Dixie School District and Dixie Elementary School in San Rafael have been changed in time for the new school year. The district's Board of Trustees voted 3-1-1 Tuesday to rename the district the Miller Creek Elementary School District and the school the Lucas Valley Elementary School.

The name changes follow months of meetings and controversy.

Proponents of the name change argued the word Dixie recalled America's era of slavery and the Confederacy in the South. Opponents of the name change said Dixie referred to Mary Dixie, a Miwok Indian woman who had ties to James Miller, who built the first schoolhouse in San Rafael in 1864.

The board voted to change the name of the district on April 16 and established an advisory committee, which presented petitions for three names: Kenne, Creekside and Laurel Creek. Community members proposed changing the name to Miller Creek.

Students, families and staff voted on the school's new name.

"We are thrilled to have these decisions made so we can start the year off on a positive note," Board President Brad Honsberger said.

"Our board appreciates all of the input we received from our community during this process. We look forward to focusing our priorities on students in the coming year."

The district aims to make the name change on signs, buses, the district's website and logos before school year starts on Aug. 22.

The Miller Creek Elementary School District serves 1,982 students in north San Rafael and includes three elementary schools and one middle school.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.