Name Change Proposed for Witchcraft Heights School

The School Committee is considering a proposal to rename the  after former City Councilor Leonard O'Leary, although it is unclear if the request meets the district's policy on school naming.

School Committee member James Fleming raised the proposal at , citing O'Leary's 24 years of service as councilor of Ward 4, the neighborhood where the Witchcraft Heights school is located.

"I think he should be honored," Fleming said in an interview. "[The school] is in his ward and it would be appropriate to name it after him."

Fleming, a former city councilor, said O'Leary was an advocate for the schools and a dedicated public servant. O'Leary died in 2007 at age 64.

The school is the only one in the City not named for a person from Salem, and the name "Witchcraft" could cause confusion about "what kind of school" it is, Fleming said.

The policy manual gives the School Committee the authority to name schools or portions of school buildings, but does not specifically address renaming of a school.

The policy sets out two guidelines for naming of schools after a person — that the person "made a significant contribution to Salem and/or public education," and that he or she be deceased "for 10 years so that their contribution to the community will have stood the test of time."

Although O'Leary died less than four years ago, Fleming said that the policy wouldn't prohibit renaming of the school.

"I don't see that as a big hurdle to this effort," Fleming said.

He said there is precedent for renaming a school. The Collins Middle School years after he died in 1990.

The district's policy states that a portion of a school, such as a gym or library, may be named "for any individual who has made a substantial and significant contribution," to education or the schools.

Already in the current school year, two portions of  have been dedicated — a wing of the school was named for former administrator Robert Pesce, and the auto shop was dedicated in memory of .

The policy also states that a committee may be formed to recommend names when school "buildings are renovated or newly constructed."

Superintendent Dr. William Cameron said the policy establishes a process for naming a new school, but is less clear on renaming of schools.

"It does fall within the responsibility of the School Committee," Cameron said. "The School Committee could waive their own policy."

Fleming said he has discussed his proposal with City Council President Jerry Ryan, who represents Ward 4.

"There is strong support in City Council," Fleming said.

The proposal was referred to the buildings and grounds subcommittee for consideration, but Fleming said the committee may consider surveying residents about the idea.