'McCain' among 880 names suggested for Gilbert school

Sen. John McCain fell short in his presidential bid, but Gilbert residents who voted for the Republican congressman on Nov. 4 are offering a consolation prize.

Eighty-two residents want Gilbert Public Schools to name its newest high school after McCain. His name is just one idea out of 880 suggested in a recent survey to name the school under construction at Val Vista Drive and Germann Road.

About 4,700 people weighed in on naming the new Gilbert high school via e-mails and the recent online survey whose results were released Friday afternoon. Some 144 of the respondents want to keep the board's name, Campo Verde, which struck a sour note with dozens of other families in the area.

The name is Spanish for "green field." Some residents have complained that the name is Spanish, while others have said it is too generic. All were upset, though, that the board didn't gather public input before unanimously approving the name in late October.

The five-member board is expected Tuesday night at a regular meeting to discuss whether to keep its pick or rename it.

Survey data show most of the respondents who filled out the survey are residents who have lived in the district for more than 10 years and have children in its schools.

District staff also consulted a focus group of 25 students at South Valley Junior High who likely will attend the new high school after it opens in August.

McCain's name appeared among the top 10 most popular suggestions by the respondents:

• South Valley High School with 574 in favor

• Quartz Hill High with 427.

• San Tan High with 315.

• Greenfield High, 242.

• Val Vista High, 194.

• Germann High, 159.

• Campo Verde High, 144.

• Quartz High, 135.

• Copper Point High, 110.

• John McCain High, 82.

Residents can give further input during the public comment period at Tuesday night's meeting. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the boardroom of the GPS Educational Complex at 140 S. Gilbert Road.