School officials explore the possibility of renaming Kent-Meridian

Kent-Meridian staff are exploring the idea of renaming the flagship high school with a modifier: international.

Kent-Meridian staff are exploring the idea of renaming the flagship high school with a modifier: international.

“That name denotes that we have an international mindedness,” explained Principal Wade Barringer.

Barringer said that the proposed name change to Kent-Meridian International High School would not add or modify any of the school’s existing programs. It would simply recognize traits and programs that the school already possesses.

Barringer and Amrinder Bains, International Baccalaureate coordinator, visited international schools in Seattle to see what the requirements were for a school to add the “international” denominator to its title. As it turns out, many of the requirements the school already met, such as having an international-focused program – met by the IB – or serving an international population.

“By name, K-M is just another high school,” Barringer said. “This is recognizing and appreciating the population we serve.”

The idea to rename the school is still in the most infant and exploratory phases, Barringer said. That’s because of the sensitivity of the issue since many K-M alumni from as far back as the 1950s still live in Kent.

“Does it meet the needs of our current students, future students and alumni?” Barringer asked.

He expects that within the next two months K-M will have planned out several town hall-style meetings to allow the community to provide input. He realizes that renaming K-M might rattle some cages in the community but still believes that it would be a good idea in the long run.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Kent police investigate fatal two-vehicle collision

The collision killed a woman and left a 45-year-old Tacoma driver, suspected of intoxication at the time of the crash, hospitalized.

Competing for the 8th Congressional District: Carmen Goers, left, and Kim Schrier. COURTESY PHOTOS
Adam Smith and Kim Schrier will retain Congress seats | Election 2024

Smith represents the 9th Congressional District and Schrier represents the 8th Congressional District.

Courtesy of Democratic Caucus
Pictured left to right: Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D), Rep. David Hackney, and Rep. Steve Bergquist
Democratic incumbents in lead for 11th Legislative District

Bob Hasegawa, David Hackney and Steve Bergquist have strong leads, with Hasegawa and Hackney running unopposed.

Debra Entenman and Kyle Lyebyedyev. File photos
Entenman and Stearns lead in 47th District | Election 2024

The district includes Kent, Covington and Auburn.

File photo
Kent School District levy is failing at the polls | Election 2024

Early election results show voters rejecting the proposed Capital Projects and Technology Levy.

Larry Best, a customer coordinator for quality assurance who has worked at Boeing for 38 years, stands outside of Angel of the Winds Arena with a “vote no” sign on Monday in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists approve contract, ending 52-day strike

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Photos from the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Washington press release.
Kent man arrested in connection to violent drug trafficking gang investigation

Law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms of fentanyl, 60 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash.

Courtesy Photo, King County
Son accused of fatally shooting mother’s boyfriend in Kent back in jail

Dondre Butler has 3 violations in 13 months of electronic home detention after charged with murder in 2022

t
Kent Police targeted street patrols result in arrest of two felons

One driver spotted in a vehicle with no plates; another driver reportedly in a stolen vehicle

t
Kent cold case murder suspect back in state after governor’s warrant | Update

Kenneth Kundert fought extradition from Arkansas after August arrest in 1980 killing of Dorothy Silzel

t
City of Kent eyes November opening for Reith Road roundabouts

Two more roundabouts will bring total in city to six; three more in future plans