The name game at the school board is over, with the board deciding not to change the district's name, citing cost in a time of budget cuts as a main factor.
In December, Masset trustee Sharon Matthews asked the board to consider changing the name from "School District #50 Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte to "School District #50 Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands". Ms Matthews said north end residents think of Queen Charlotte City when they hear 'Queen Charlotte' in the name.
Superintendent Mike Woods did some research and told the board the name began as "School District #50 Queen Charlotte" in 1939, and had 'Haida Gwaii" added in 1995. He also presented the results of a survey which circulated through the schools.154 respondents wanted to keep the name the same, 176 wanted to change it, adding "Islands" while 105 supported another name entirely, including some wild-card ideas primarily from Port Clements such as 'Cool Schools of Haida Gwaii/QCI' and 'The Great Ones'.
"Due to cost factors and lack of clearly defined public support," Mr. Woods recommended that the board not change the district's name at this time, and the board agreed.
"It doesn't mean we are dropping itÂ…" chair Andreas Uttendorfer said, "we are just not going to spend $1,000 to proceed. I don't think we are going to forget about it, it is in the minutes," he added.