Staff Report

Hays CISD’s 15th and newest elementary school is one step closer to officially having a name.

The 2021 Hays CISD Naming Committee will make a recommendation to the HCISD Board of Trustees during the Dec. 13 meeting to name the new school Sunfield Elementary, following input from the community.

The school, which is under construction and slated to open in August 2022, is located near the Sunfield neighborhood in Buda, one of the newest, largest and fastest growing communities in the district.

The seven-person naming committee was tasked with reviewing and narrowing down name suggestions to present to the board. Approximately 360 name suggestions were submitted by the public during the name nomination period; nearly half of the suggestions (152) were for ‘Sunfield Elementary.’

The name recommendation was adopted by the committee in a 5-0 vote; two members were not present for the meeting. By policy — and to give district residents a chance to contemplate the potential name — the board will not vote on a final name selection until the January business meeting. Additionally, the school mascot and colors will be selected later in a separate process.

“Naming a school is an important decision. The name will be in place at least 50 years and likely much, much longer,” HCISD chief communication officer Tim Savoy said. “The committee was fortunate to have excellent participation in the naming nomination process and a number of viable options from which to choose. It’s fun to watch the excitement surrounding a new school coming to life — not just the building, but also its personality.”

More information about the naming process and full list of suggestions can be found at www.hayscisd.net/name.