Finalists picked for childhood center name

The new Early Childhood Center could bear the name of a beloved longtime educator.

Perhaps it might honor those city residents who have served in the armed forces.

Or the building's moniker could simply let people know where it is located.

A list of finalists for District 203's new Early Childhood Center was presented Monday night to the board of education. The three finalists are Ann Reid Early Childhood Center, Naperville Early Childhood Center and Veterans Early Childhood Center.

"The final decision will rest with the board of education," said Kitty Ryan, assistant superintendent for school services and programs.

Ryan outlined for the board the selection process, which included soliciting name suggestions from the public. A total of 69 suggestions were submitted by students, parents, community members and staff. Last week, a group of 22 of those individuals met to narrow the list down — first to 11 names, then six and then the final three.

Receiving the most votes at the committee was the suggestion to name the center after Ann Reid, who worked for the district for more than two decades. In her time with District 203, she worked as a longtime special education teacher and speech pathologist, as well as district administrator. Reid died two years ago from colon cancer.

"She touched a lot of lives in the district over her tenure here," said Kitty Murphy, assistant superintendent for special education and student services.

Naperville Early Childhood Center was selected because it simply describes the building's function and location, and Veterans Early Childhood Center was chosen to honor those who fought and defended Naperville through the years.

Other suggestions that received high marks by the committee include Drendel-Reid — to name it after both Reid and Gene Drendel, another longtime educator; the Nicarico Family, who after the murder of their daughter created the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Literacy Fund which directly benefits students in District 203; and former superintendent Alan Leis, who served as the driving force behind the Early Childhood Center.

No decision was made by the board, which will likely vote on the matter at its Nov. 16 meeting.

During the board's discussion, member Susan Crotty asked if the school, currently under construction on Naper Boulevard in the Huntington Estates subdivision, is on land that used to be the Drendel farm.

Ryan said she researched the information but could not find documentation showing that it is the family's farm site.

"I would love to have more of the history. That would help me, maybe, make a decision," Crotty said.

Board member Dave Weeks disagreed.

"My assumption is the land was not donated," Weeks said. "So whoever's farm it was has been handsomely compensated."

The approximately $11 million early childhood center is scheduled to open next year. Work will begin at the end of this week on the building's roofing.

"We're a little behind due to the rain this spring," said Ralph Weaver, director of facilities and construction. "We're still looking at school opening in the fall."

Funds for the education center came from the $43 million facilities referendum approved by voters in February 2008.