Students, families and community members invited to help shape the school’s next chapter

Tampa, Fla. – (November 9, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is launching a community naming campaign to select a new name for Monroe Middle School, inviting students, families, school staff, and community members to help shape the school’s new chapter.

Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, the students will transition from Madison Middle School to create a new school community.

As HCPS prepares for this transition, the district is inviting the community to suggest names that honor the school’s history, reflect the community it serves, and look ahead to a bright future for students and families.

“This is about more than choosing a new name. It’s about creating an identity that reflects our community and gives students and families something they can be proud of,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “We want them to have a voice in this process and help shape a school community where every student feels a strong sense of pride and belonging.”

All proposed names must follow School Board Policy 7250. The naming and renaming of all school sites and facilities must respect all races, cultures, and ethnic values. The School Board also prohibits any name that violates School Board Policy 2260 – Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity.

School sites and facilities may be named for individuals who have rendered outstanding public service to public education, geographical locations, or groups and clubs, as outlined in board policy. Elementary, middle, and secondary schools may be named for U.S. presidents, school board members, educators, outstanding citizens, or geographic locations. An elected official must have been out of public office for at least five years before being considered, and no current candidate for public office may be considered.

Name recommendations can be submitted at: https://bit.ly/renamemonroe 

Submissions will be accepted from 9 a.m. on Monday, November 9 through 5 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2026. All names will be presented to the Hillsborough County School Board for consideration. The board is scheduled to vote on a name at its January 26 meeting.