Suggestions for Name of New School Include First Woman State Senator, Needham Astronaunt

NEEDHAM, MA — The state's first woman state senator, a local astronaut, and the Hillside School name are all on the table when it comes to what to call the new elementary school on Central Avenue.

School committee member Susan Neckes told her fellow committee this week that the subcommittee tasked with finding the name has received 40 emails regarding what the school should be called, with the group leaning towards a person from the past, a person from the present, and a name that reconizes the school which the new building will replace.

Leslie Cutler, the first female state senator in Massachusetts and a former Needham selectman; accomplished astronaut and Needham High School graduate Suni Williams; and the name Hillside Elementary School at Owen Farm were listed as possible names for the new school informally known as the new Hillside Elementary School.

Committee member Connie Barr said the largest applause at a recent League of Women Voters candidate forum belonged to the idea that new school should be named after a woman.

"I think having a school named after a woman would be a very important statement at this point and time and we have two really good choices," committee member Heidi Black said.

Some committee members commented that the Hillside name would not be appropriate for the new school, noting that the building will be located on flat land and not on the side of a hill.

"At this point, I'm not convinced that's the way to go. I think naming it after a woman is not only symbolic but is overdue," committee Michael Greis said.

Barr recommend honoring the Hillside School name in another way, suggesting a photo at the front of the school, a track, or a playground.

"We can honor (Hillside) and embrace the gratitude the community feels for this opportunity to cite the school but I'm not comfortable with that Hillside School at Owens Farms. We can send a stronger message by naming it after someone of stature who has made a contribution," committee member Andrea Longo Carter said.

No formal recommendations were made, with the subcommittee expected to make a recommendation by May and a full school committee vote to follow in June.

Groundbreaking for the new school is scheduled for late next winter.

Image via Shuttertock