What's in a name?

With the renovation in progress at Decorah High School – or is it really Thomas Roberts High School – the Decorah School Board debated the name of the facility that should be fully renovated by next fall.  Actually the building was originally named "Thomas Roberts Building" in 1955 after a former Decorah Schools Superintendent. And the building was not a high school.

On Monday night Decorah School Board members discussed what the appropriate name of the high school should be and what the historical significance of the Thomas Roberts name might be. Some noted that the Thomas Roberts name is actually confusing and not generally used. Some options were discussed, such as using Thomas Roberts as a sub-title in the name, or noting Thomas Roberts in the replacement of the cornerstone when the renovation is complete.

Superintendent Mike Haluska said he will attempt to contact some of the Thomas Roberts family to inquire regarding their opinions. In the meantime, the Board said they were open to suggestions or comments from the public.