Monticello Middle School, like several CH-UH schools, was named for the street upon which it is located. While it is unclear why the street itself was named Monticello, it shares its name with a plantation owned by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson enslaved more than 600 people throughout his life, 400 of whom
lived in bondage at Monticello (
video: Black Descendants Of Thomas Jefferson Speak Out At Monticello [
TODAY, July 6, 2020]).
During the spring and summer of 2024, the District engaged in an important and thoughtful process regarding the potential renaming of Monticello Middle School, led in partnership with consultant
Dr. Gregory Hutchings. This initiative aligns with our school district’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion, and it is important that we engage with the community throughout this journey.
Thank you to all who participated in the focus groups, discussion sessions, and survey. Dr. Hutchings presented
findings to the Board of Education on February 4, 2025 (watch the
video here).
During the March 5 regular CH-UH Board of Education meeting, following discussion, the Board brought forth and approved a motion to ensure that the school has a new name by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
The District is now accepting
applications for the Monticello Middle School Renaming Task Force.