News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. II No. 6 - April 10, 2007
The Board of Education at its April 9 meeting unanimously voted to name the new elementary school on the far West side for General Vang Pao, a prominent, national Hmong leader.
His name was selected from a list of 39 names that were nominated earlier this year by community members.
Vang led the Hmong in the Secret War against the communists in Laos and Southeast Asia. After he arrived in the U.S. in 1975, he worked to help resettle the Hmong in this country and has been an advocate here for the rights of Hmong people.
The naming process defined by a previously established Board of Education policy also involved holding a public hearing at which dozens of persons spoke to the Board about the various names for the new school. There was also the opportunity for citizens to provide feedback by e-mail and via the Internet.
The process also required the Superintendent to recommend a name or names to the Board of Education. The four names brought forward were: Shirley S. Abrahamson, Linden Park, Paul J. Olson, and Vang.
Meanwhile, the request for bids to construct the new school is out and bids are due by April 19. General contractors are reviewing the school's architectural plans in anticipation of entering a bid.
The bids will be brought to the Board of Education on May 7 for approval of one general contractor to gain the contract. Groundbreaking for the new school should take place in June, with the school scheduled to open in September 2008.
About 120 supporters for naming the new school for Vang Pao turned out for the Board meeting on April 9. Board member Shwaw Vang, leaving the Board in April with Ruth Robarts (below left,) made the successful motion.
Last Updated: Tue May 1 16:08:32 2007
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