Nearly 25 years after East Detroit, Mich., residents voted to change the name of their city to Eastpointe, the East Detroit school district is following suit.
“We carry fond memories of East Detroit’s legacy,” says Karren MacKool, school vice president. “The change to Eastpointe Community Schools is an opportunity to grow our bond as both a district and community.”
In 1992, residents of the city of East Detroit voted to rename the 5.1-square-mile city to set itself apart from neighboring Detroit. At the time, the district decided to keep the name East Detroit Public Schools.
The name change will filter through the district: East Detroit High School will be renamed Eastpointe High School; Kellwood Alternative Learning Center will be renamed Eastpointe Alternative Learning Center; East Detroit Virtual Academy will be renamed Eastpointe Virtual Academy; and Kelly Middle School will be renamed Eastpointe Middle School.
The name change comes a month after the board approved a series of restructuring steps it hopes will improve student achievement. In fall 2017, the district will expand its half- and full-day early childhood programs with the opening of the Eastpointe Early Learning Center.
"This is an exciting time for our community and district,” Superintendent Ryan McLeod says in a news release. “The restructuring plan, including the name change, reflects our continued commitment to provide the best educational opportunities for all students and families of the Eastpointe community.”
