Eugene School District 4J is starting a four-month process to choose a new name for César Chávez Elementary School.

A renaming committee with representatives from the school, the district and community have laid out a path that starts with new name nominations and ends with a projected school board vote in early February 2027.

"Our goal is to find a name that students, families, staff, and the community can carry forward with pride and a strong sense of belonging," Chávez Principal Kevin Gordon said. "We want this process to reflect the voices, experiences, hopes, and values of the people who know and care about this school."

In March 2026, a major newspaper report detailed allegations of rape and other sexual misconduct against Chávez, the school's namesake since its opening in 2004. Community concerns about Chávez's legacy drove consideration of a name change, as happened in communities across the country for schools and other public landmarks bearing the name. The school board in June directed staff to begin a name-change process and at the same time updated its policy around school naming.

An online nomination form is open now through Oct. 23. The renaming committee will then review the submissions, conduct research, and share a list of finalist names to the community for feedback Nov. 9-20. The process is not a popular vote. Current school families and staff will then rank up to three final names that the renaming committee will send to the school board for public discussion in January 2027. A final vote by the board to choose a name is expected in early February.

The committee will consider name suggestions looking at compliance with School Board Policy FF; student belonging and identity; cultural and historical significance; connection to the school, Eugene, local history, geography or community values; inclusivity and representation; long-term appropriateness; educational value; operational feasibility including naming conflicts, pronunciation, translation and basic implementation considerations; and completing required due-diligence and consultation.

Process details, nomination forms and progress updates will be available on the 4J website.