The discussion the Mehlville School District’s Board of Education had about changing the name of the school district was the most unintelligent suggestion that has ever come from the district’s board.

First, uselessly and pointlessly changing the name of the Mehlville School District would look bad and irresponsible.

Second, academics are suffering in the Mehlville School District and the Board of Education is sitting around at taxpayers’ expense to discuss changing the name of the district.

The Board of Education should be focused on increasing test scores, increasing faculty retention, increasing the use of technology, improving facilities, increased discipline and increasing the number of advanced college-level classes completed in high school.

Nothing good results from having a “hyphenated” school district name — example: Mehlville-Oakville. A name like that would make the Mehlville School District look as if it went through a merger and was unable to come to an agreement on a name.

If people do not know that Oakville is in the Mehlville School District, then larger and more visible “Mehlville School District” signs should be placed on all district buildings and properties so that people would be better educated on the district’s name.

The Mehlville School District should increase its visibility, branding and name recognition in the entire community.

Direct mailing of the Mehlville Messenger newsletter could help increase name recognition.

Additionally, open public forums would increase community involvement, interaction and accountability.

Joe M. Garavaglia

Oakville