At R.A. Long, it's now the Joe Moses Court
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 6:39 AM PST
By Carrie Pederson
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Joe Moses Court is the new title of the basketball floor at the R.A. Long High School gymnasium, approved by the Longview School Board at Monday's meeting.
The vote was 4-0. Board member Jennifer Leach was not present at the meeting.
"He's a rare leader in a quiet way," said Bill Kasch, of the former basketball coach, teacher and "local legend," now a 92-year Kelso resident. There won't be another person with more ethics or principles, he said.
Supporters of the Joe Moses naming have been trying to persuade the board since last May. They made presentations at two board meetings. They also sent letters and petitions, though that has never been affirmed by a board member.
Tom Carmichael, R.A. Long alum and businessman, threatened to re-direct a $2 million scholarship fund to Castle Rock if the board did not agree to name the court after Moses.
The board did not discuss the decision, but board president Skip Urling said he had received a letter from the booster club endorsing the naming. The alumni association gave no objection to the naming.
"That's all I need to know," board member Ted Thomas said.
When supporters came to the board for the second time in support of the Joe Moses naming in September, board members did not vote but said the district's naming policy should be revised.
More clarification would avoid an appearance that someone can buy the name of a facility, board member Barb Westrick said at the September meeting.
The naming policy was not discussed by board members at Monday's meeting. The district's policy states that the use of names of living persons shall be avoided unless circumstances warrant an exception.
The naming claims a special exception, since Moses is still alive. It was important to supporters to do it while he was alive, Kasch said.
Although the gym floor has been called the Lumberdome in the past, Ken Botero, who first came up with the name as a sports announcer explained the name, "came about as a prank and a good time for all these years."
There will be an event in the spring to present the naming and to honor Moses, said Bill Ammons, supporter of the naming.
Past Month's Most Commented Stories