Don't name public buildings for people

Some thoughts for the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 board of education on the idea of renaming Lake Louise Elementary School.

I think it is always a bad idea to name a public building after a person. As much as any person may have contributed to the good of an organization, it is not solely one person who contributed to that building's cause and success. It took many people within an organization, community and nearby neighborhood who helped Lake Louise come about.

Many past administrators and educators within the district contributed to the success of Lake Louise. To put one person's name on the building says nothing about all the many others who contributed. And what about the taxpayers and parents? Aren't we the ones who literally built the building, and invested many hours there for the good of our students?

I do not know Mr. Thompson. I am sure he has done much good for the district. Yet, he has already received his due in the way of pay, possible awards, and his expected future pension.

I disagree with the thought that the name Lake Louise doesn't have any significant meaning to it. Yes it does. It represents the nearby community, and always will. In not too many years in the future, the person whose name is on a building will be long forgotten, but the community will still be there. And the many unnamed taxpayers, administrators, and teachers will still be contributing to our great District 15 school system.

I propose the board direct its efforts and our resources in other ways that can build our great schools. Please cease your efforts to make just one contributor to the district feel good for a short time at the expense of many others.

Bill Palarz

Hoffman Estates