BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Monday night, the school board voted unanimously to name the district’s new school Bradford Elementary.
Among a few suggestions, Bradford Elementary was the most submitted, according to Superintendent Will Hartley. It was also the option preferred by the board.
School Board Member Sheila Cummings did say her top choice after speaking with members of the community was to continue with the name Southside Elementary. It is familiar, she said. Bradford Elementary was her second choice.
School Board Member Lynn Melvin said with a new school comes a new beginning — one school staff members are anticipating. The school also reflects the consolidation of three schools of which Southside is just one.
“I’m in favor of Bradford Elementary. I think that includes everyone, represents every child in our county,” she said.
Members Cheryl Canova and Candace Osteen agreed. Osteen said, “I think it’s something that would be very meaningful to the entire community to move forward with a new name that represents all of us.”
School Board Chairwoman Gayle Nicula announced that was her preference as well.
Among the submissions were names of former school personnel. Alligator Creek Elementary was also suggested, as were Temple Elementary and Flatwoods Elementary. Temple Avenue is U.S. 301 and Temple’s Mills is a little-known area from an 1800s map of Bradford County. Flatwoods represents the forest area where the school is being constructed.
Some tried combining the names of the consolidated schools — Southside, Brooker and Hampton — to develop something new like Hambrook South or South Hambrook Elementary, and South Brampton Elementary.
