The Charles County Board of Education has given the green light to begin the process of renaming General Smallwood Middle School. The decision, made during the Nov. 12 meeting, came after months of community input and a review of the school’s namesake, General William Smallwood. General Smallwood, who served as Maryland’s governor from 1785 to 1788, was also a plantation owner who enslaved 56 people, according to historical records from the Maryland State Archives.
The discussion about renaming the school was first brought to the Board in February 2024 by members of the community. Following months of feedback and updates from staff, the Board agreed to proceed with the renaming process. The steps to rename the school are outlined in Board of Education Policy 7230, which specifies how school names are selected or changed. The full policy is available on the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) website for public review.
Committee Formation and Community Involvement
A critical step in the renaming process involves forming a committee to review and recommend potential names for the school. The committee will consist of community members who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Policy 7230. CCPS is actively seeking volunteers to serve on the committee and has provided details about the selection process on its website.
Once established, the committee will evaluate name submissions and present recommendations to the Board next spring. The Board may also hold public hearings to gather additional input on suggested names before making a final decision.
Submission Criteria for New Names
The Board has established specific criteria for name submissions, as outlined in Policy 7230. Submissions must meet one of the following guidelines:
- Geographic Feature or Location: Names must be tied to a widely recognized geographic feature or location within Charles County. If the geographic name includes a person’s name, it must comply with additional provisions of the policy.
- Non-Personal Names: Names unrelated to a person or geographic feature may be considered, as long as they align with the Board’s policies, core values, and curricular goals.
- Personal Names: Names honoring individuals are allowed if the person has been deceased for at least 10 years and made a significant contribution to the community, county, state, or nation, reflecting the Board’s values.
Notably, the current name, General Smallwood Middle School, will not be accepted as a submission for reconsideration.
How to Submit a Name
The school system is accepting name recommendations until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Submissions must include written documentation explaining the significance of the proposed name, limited to one double-sided page. Supporting materials should accompany the recommendation.
Submissions can be made in the following ways:
- Online: Use the form available on the CCPS website. Supporting materials can be uploaded in a downloadable format.
- By Mail: Send submissions to Shelley Mackey, School Naming Committee Liaison, Charles County Public Schools, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646. Photocopies of supporting materials must be included.
- By Email: Email submissions to smackey@ccboe.com with attachments in a downloadable format.
Submissions made through CCPS social media channels will not be considered.
Next Steps
The renaming committee will screen all submissions and forward its recommendations to the Board. The Board of Education will make the final decision on the school’s new name after reviewing the committee’s suggestions. Updates on the renaming process will be posted on the CCPS website at Renaming General Smallwood Middle School.
This initiative highlights the school system’s commitment to addressing community concerns while ensuring that school names reflect shared values and inclusivity.
