Parents push back on renaming school for late Coral Springs vice mayor

Zoom in: The proposal said that naming the school in Metayer's honor "would recognize her lasting contributions to the community."

• "Vice Mayor Metayer was deeply involved with Sawgrass Middle School and its school community, building meaningful relationships with students, families, educators, and staff and supporting efforts that helped students thrive," the proposal reads.

Driving the news: Ahead of Wednesday's vote, a dozen parents have written to the school board, questioning Metayer's ties to the 30-year-old school and arguing that renaming would strip it of its identity and history.

• Instead, they say Metayer could be honored by naming a building or program after her.

Catch up quick: The beloved 38-year-old environmental scientist was a rising star and trailblazer in the Florida Democratic Party before her death in April.

• She was the first Black and Haitian-American woman to serve as a Coral Springs commissioner.
• Her husband, Stephen Bowen, who's charged with premeditated murder and tampering with physical evidence, allegedly shot and killed Metayer on March 31.

What they're saying: "We strongly believe there are meaningful ways to honor her legacy without removing the name Sawgrass Springs Middle School," one comment reads.

• Others raised concerns about the cost of renaming as the district faces budget challenges.