I am too lazy to look for the thread so just posting the up-date here.

They said NO-bama.

A proposal to change the name of a Long Island public school to Barack Obama Elementary was scrapped this week after running into fierce public opposition.

Cristobal Stewart, a trustee of the school district in Valley Stream, first broached the idea of renaming the Clear Stream Avenue Elementary School in November to commemorate Obama's electoral triumph.

But the plan was met with loud resistance at a Nov. 24 hearing. Town residents and parents argued that the existing name, in place since 1924, represented a long and proud tradition that shouldn't be tinkered with.

Stewart argued with several people during the heated gathering and insisted that many parents in the ethnically diverse school supported the plan.

But he abandoned the campaign Monday during another public hearing that drew 70 people.

"We listened, we discussed it, we decided against it," said board member Elise Antonelli. "It's not happening.

"Clear Stream Avenue School has a strong history and tradition."

But the issue still roiled parents at the school this week.

"I don't see why people have a problem with changing the name," said parent Jose Santos. "Sometimes you need change. This is a historic event and I think it would be a good idea."

But others said that there was no need for change. "I like it as it is," said Lena Taverez, a parent of an 8-year-old girl. "The name is part of Valley Stream, it signifies a lot."

In November, the Ludlum Elementary School in Hempstead became the nation's first school to adopt Obama's name.

I can kinda see that. On one hand you have a name that you have had for years and years and shouldn't be changed by popular political whims and fads

on the other hand, Obama may be a great President worthy of naming schools after him. But he isn't even President yet and hasn't done a single thing other than winning an election

I agree. Hopefully there will be some new schools built & some will be named for Obama & start new traditions.

I was going to say the same thing here. New schools are opening all the time and I'm sure there will be PLENTY with Obama's moniker designated. I like the schools around here. Almost ALL are named after LOCAL heroes of education past. It's so fitting and a real tribute on a hometown level.