CHINA, Texas — A motion to rename China Elementary after a pioneering black Southeast Texas educator James Henderson has failed after school board denied it.
The school board was split three to three over whether to change the name of the campus. Because of the tie, the renaming motion failed.
The vote comes after months of controversy. Back in March, the board voted to rename Henderson Middle School. Next in May, residents voiced opposition. Then in June, the board passed a building naming policy.
This all culminates in the motion Monday night. A citizen's committee recommended China Elementary's name be changed to James H. Henderson Elementary.
No one on the board signaled support. So in the end the board voted on a compromise name, China-Henderson Elementary, and it also failed.
Community members entered the school board meeting with high hopes.
"We just want them to be behind us and support us on what we have been trying to do for the last eight months," said Claudia Tyler, a community member.
The community members who support the name change want to make sure that Henderson's legacy and name live on.
"We're trying to make sure that we keep his name alive, and his legacy....and we want it to go on China Elementary where it belongs," Tyler said.
The vote left some people in the community upset and confused.
"I'm not really sure what kind of game that they are playing, but it's ridiculous and I am very disappointed," said Beverly Carrier-Walters, another community member.
Tyler and Carrier-Walters claim that the board has not been clear on its intentions.
"We don't want China-Henderson. We want J.H. Henderson. They want a whole new name, and we're not fighting for that. That's not his legacy: China-Henderson," said Tyler.
Despite the outcome of the vote Tyler and Carrier-Walters refuse to give up.
"If they want a fight, they're going to get a fight. Because we're not going to give up on this situation they're trying to do," Tyler said.
"At this point tonight, changes have to be made. Changes have to be made, because those board members are appointed to serve the community and to serve us. and we are not being served. we are not being served," Carrier-Walters said.
Hardin-Jefferson ISD Communications Director Ashly Elam released a statement to 12News saying in part, "it is imperative to note that the naming of all Hardin-Jefferson ISD campuses and facilities remains the responsibility of school board members."
"The Hardin-Jefferson ISD Board of Trustees acknowledges the significance of community input and will continue to adhere to established protocols in addressing matters of this nature. Further updates will be provided as the process unfolds," Elam said in the statement.