Agenda Item
a. Renaming Southwest DeKalb High School Track in Honor of Coach Napoleon Cobb
Summary: Presented by: Tiffany Hogan, Ph. D., Board Member, District 5
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the name change of the Southwest DeKalb high school track to Coach Napoleon Cobb Track.
Why: The stakeholders of Southwest DeKalb high school request that the name of the track be renamed Coach Napoleon Cobb Track.
Details: The committee, led by Board member Tiffany Hogan, Ph. D., was composed of the required Board members, District and school leaders. Then, parents, faculty and community members were added to make a total of 12 members.
The committee met on the following dates:
April 23, 2025
May 20, 2025*
June 16, 2025
*Public input meeting was May 20, 2025.
Contact: Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678.676.0542,
Dr. Thomas Glanton, Area Superintendent for High School, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678.676.0329,
Tiffany Hogan, Ph. D., Board Member, District 5, 678.676.0722
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
DeKalb County School District
Board Policy Brief: Naming or Renaming a Portion of a School or
Facility
Purpose
To outline the official procedures and governance structure for naming or renaming
portions of school facilities such as wings, stadiums, athletic fields, annexes, media
centers, and rooms, ensuring transparency, community involvement, and appropriate
recognition.
Key Steps & Guidelines
1. Formation of a Naming Committee
A committee composed of 7 to 11 members must be assembled. The membership should
include:
- The Primary Board of Education Member (Chair of the committee)
- The School Principal or Facility Director
- A minimum of 3 staff members
- 2 community members selected by the principal or director
2. Committee Responsibilities
The committee must hold at least one meeting to evaluate the naming proposal. This
includes:
- A formal presentation detailing the proposed name
- Justification for the naming, particularly when honoring individuals
- Summary of research and due diligence conducted
- Review of existing named spaces to avoid duplication or conflicts
3. Voting Process
Following discussion, the committee will vote on the proposal. Approval requires a
majority of the votes cast by present committee members.
4. Board Approval
Once a name has been approved by the committee, the Principal or Facility Director will
prepare a Board Agenda Item for final consideration. All committee members are
encouraged to attend the Board meeting to support the recommendation.