LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Jefferson County School Board has approved three proposed names of schools set to open this fall.
After community input and more than 1,000 online submissions, the Board approved William H. Perry Elementary for its site at 18th and West Broadway; Echo Trail Middle School and Dr. J. Blaine Hudson Middle School.
Dr. Marty Pollio had originally named the West Broadway site as Perry Wheatley Elementary to maintain and foster the important histories of Perry and Phillis Wheatley. He said the district plans to recognize Wheatley on the campus.
Perry was a west Louisville resident, a Central High graduate and served as principal at Eastern and Western schools.
A huge round of applause and cheers came when it was revealed Dr. J. Blaine Hudson would receive his name on a middle school 10 years after his passing.
“We got so much support for Hudson Middle School throughout this process,” Pollio said.
Hudson was a force in the Black community. Not only was he a leader but had roots in west Louisville as well. He dedicated his life in strengthening education in Louisville and helping Black learn about their history.
It was the reason why he pushed for a Black studies program at the University of Louisville. Eventually the school would have a Pan African Studies department and Hudson would be a tenured profession before becoming a department chair. He would go on to become the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Pollio said Hudson Middle will start in a “swing space” but eventually will have a brand new building in the future. They have not selected a location where this school will be built.
The community overwhelmingly chose the name Echo Trail Middle due to its location at the Parklands as well as its surroundings.
All three principals of the new schools were on hand, sharing their excitement.
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