The new Trenton Central High School is expected to open September 2019
TRENTON -- The new Trenton Central High School is still several years from opening, but a group of residents want to rename the school after President Barack Obama.
Karriem Beyah, who is leading the effort, first brought the idea to the district in March 2009, but nothing ever came of it. When it was decided that the school would be torn down and a new one built in its place, he chose to pursue it again.
In February, he sent a letter to the school board and business administrator, who responded that when he's ready, he can ask to be placed on the agenda to make a presentation.
"I think it can happen," he said. "I think I have enough support."
He has also started a Facebook group called "Committee to Name TCHS to Barack Obama High School," which lists other schools across the country that have been named after the president including Barack Obama Academy for Academic & Civic Development and Barack Obama Green Charter High School in Plainfield.
Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-Hudson) proposed naming an elementary school after Obama.
Beyah, who works in economic and community development, said Obama has a long list of accomplishments in his two terms and can be an inspiration to students, teachers and parents.
"I think it's a positive thing to do for the city," he said, adding that the city's Washington, Jefferson, Grant and Wilson elementary schools are named after presidents. "We have schools named after presidents who don't have as good of a reputation as President Obama, so I say, 'Why not?'"
Demolition has been completed on the old Trenton Central High School and construction is slated to begin in December. The state Schools Development Authority board in March awarded a $116 million contract to Terminal Construction Corporation to design and build the new school.
The anticipated opening is September 2019. Though Obama would no longer be president, Beyah said he hopes that if the name-change petition is a success, the city would be treated to a special visit from him.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.