Lexington Traditional Magnet Middle School Considers Name Change to Reflect East End Community Values

Lexington, KY — Officials from Lexington Traditional Magnet Middle School are considering a name change that better reflects the values and history of the East End community. This discussion took place during a public forum held at the Lyric Theatre on Thursday evening.

The school’s administration is exploring options for a new name, aiming for a decision by spring 2025. Among the proposed titles are East End Middle School and Deweese Street Middle School, which acknowledge the school’s geographic location. Other significant names include Lewis and Harriet Hayden Middle School, honoring Black abolitionists, Helen Caise Wade Middle School, recognizing the first Black student to integrate Fayette County Schools, and Zirl Palmer Middle School, after a local pharmacist and community advocate.

Principal Bryne Jacobs emphasized the need for a name that reflects not only the school’s history but also its current mission. “We will not move forward without getting robust feedback from our stakeholders and our community,” Jacobs stated, underscoring the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process. The school has served the East End for over a century, originally opening as the first high school in Fayette County in the early 1900s.

Jacobs noted that the current name, Lexington Traditional Magnet Middle, no longer represents the school’s innovative and achievement-oriented programming. As the school transforms, officials are eager to ensure that the name aligns with this evolution. Jacobs explained, “We realize that the name on our building doesn’t really represent the values or what we’ve become.”

The forum was attended by community members, including Bill Harris, who advocated for the name to honor the Haydens, reflecting the school’s commitment to recognizing its historical roots. “A statue honoring the couple is even planned at the school regardless of the new name,” Harris pointed out.

Concerns were raised about the notification process for the meeting, as community advocate Robert Hodge expressed disappointment that neighbors were not given adequate notice. To address these concerns, the school plans to hold a series of open forums to gather further community feedback.

Ultimately, Jacobs aims to present a name recommendation by May, allowing the community, particularly students, to engage with the history and significance of each suggested name. “Our scholars will be able to research each of the recommendations and do presentations in the community,” he said, indicating a commitment to incorporating educational elements into the renaming process.

The efforts to rename the school coincide with a broader initiative to enhance community engagement and recognition of significant local figures in education.