News Release: PGCPS Establishes School Renaming Commission

August 27, 2020
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD —  Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has established a School Renaming Commission to review the appropriateness of certain buildings named after individuals.

In light of national unrest over racial inequities, PGCPS has taken a renewed interest in reviewing the symbols and structures that do not reflect the school system’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and democracy. Chaired by Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning Jr., the eight-member commission will hold its first meeting Thursday, Aug. 27.

A report to Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson is expected by Friday, Oct. 30, which will include any new name recommendations. Dr. Goldson will then provide final recommendations to the Prince George’s County Board of Education for consideration.

The School Renaming Commission members are listed below:

• Bill Barnes — Retired PGCPS Administrator
• Oretha Bridgewaters-Simms — Retired PGCPS Administrator; Prince George’s Community College Trustee
• Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. — Senior Pastor, Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
• Raven Hill — PGCPS Associate Superintendent for Communications and Community Engagement
• Frederick C. Hutchinson — Former Prince George’s County Board of Education Member
• Franklin Jackson — Attorney
• Howard Stone, Jr. — Former Prince George’s County Chief Administrative Officer, Prince George’s Community College Trustee
• Dr. Dawn Williams — Dean, Howard University School of Education