NOTE: Rhonda Lennon of Huntersville, the newly-elected representative for District 1 on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, was sworn-in Tuesday at the Government Center in Charlotte. Her installation ceremony preceded a school board meeting at which she introduced a motion (defeated 7-2) to rescind a prior board vote to name the new high school in Cornelius for William A. Hough (click here to read our coverage). She then joined the minority in an unsuccessful (also defeated 7-2) motion to delay changes to the Myers Park High International Baccalaureate program.

Following is a written version of her remarks at the end of the meeting:

To my District 1 constituents and especially students:

I am excited to serve District 1 for the next 4 years on the Board of Education. It is my promise to look at issues with an open mind and keep the focus on what is best for the students – present and future.

In the past month, the North Meck portion of my district has become divided over the process of naming the new high school on Bailey Road, pitting “natives” against “newcomers.”

In a review of the process, I found that although the process was followed according to policy, there are many gray areas in the policy that have led to confusion and distrust among some students and parents. It was my preference to take the name back to the committee and follow the same path of student/parent involvement that had been taken for the past 6 schools that opened in North Mecklenburg (the only 6 schools since the 1950s). The precedent has been established in our community, to take the committee recommendations back to the feeder schools for some type of a ballot or input. Then the results of the committee and the ballot were presented to the board. This was the expectation of the students and parents of the new high school- and we failed to meet their expectations.

With tonight’s decision, however, it is time to put the divisiveness behind us and move on to the future, the bright future of Hough High School.

I have been debating what path to take in this situation for the past month. I wanted to honor Mr. Hough’s legacy while remaining mindful of the future and respecting the precedent that had been set. I also wanted to make sure that all sides had a chance to air their concerns in this forum tonight and that even though they could not change the name of Hough High, they could be a part of making sure a similar situation never occurs again.

I am asking that the policy committee review the naming policy and particularly the student/parent involvement piece. We must be consistent and predictable in our future namings so this situation is not repeated.

Tonight I am asking all people on both sides to stop the divisiveness and move on. Our students need a community united behind their success. Let’s put aside the differences and work to make the 3 high schools in North Mecklenburg the best they can be.

To those Hough era alumni – I charge you to not let your fervor and passion to honor Mr. Hough fade away with this decision. To truly honor him you need to get involved in our schools and use your time, talent and money to support them. Perhaps even consider creating a Legacy Scholarship program to award to a student each year that exemplifies the character traits of Mr. Hough.

To those concerned parents – I hope your concerns about the name and the process will be overshadowed by your satisfaction with this new school and the faculty and programs Dr. Cockerham is putting into place. I charge you to stay involved and be an active part of the school and your children’s education. You are the most important person in your child’s education. We need all parents and alumni to join PTA and boosters, support the arts and sports teams, support fund-raisers, attend concerts and get involved by volunteering at the schools. Not just in North Mecklenburg, but throughout this county.

And to the students – I ask you to lead the way towards unity in our community by embracing your new school and this great opportunity. You can be the examples of living the legacy and I believe that would make Mr. Hough proud and be the best way to honor his legacy.

To the Myers Park IB Students – I have been so honored to have gotten to know you and receive you articulate emails and letters. My heart is with you and I hope you will continue to stay in touch with me and let me know where you choose to continue your education next year. You are future leaders of this community and I am excited to hear about your future successes, so please keep in touch.

To my fellow board members and CMS Staff – I am excited about the opportunity to serve and work with each of you. Have a blessed holiday!