Board unanimously approves name
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2016) — The Fayette County Board of Education unanimously voted on Monday to name Lexington’s new high school Frederick Douglass High School. Douglass was a 19th-century African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman.
The board received nearly 700 suggestions from the public, including 92 unique names that were considered. School board policy requires that the name reflect the geographic significance of the area, or an individual who contributed in a significant way on a local, state, or national level.
Lexington previously had a segregated Douglass School that was open for 42 years before closing in 1971.
“We do have active alumni, and that’s what sold me,” said board chairwoman Melissa Bacon. Board member Doug Barnett also voiced his support, adding, “An instant alumni base is huge at a new school.”
The $81.5 million new high school, at 2000 Winchester Rd., is scheduled to open in fall 2017. Lester Diaz was named in August as principal.
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