The board of an elementary school in Northern California has unanimously decided to rename the educational institution after the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.

According to a report by The Hill, the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education voted in favor of renaming Wilson Elementary School, based in El Cerrito in California, to the Michelle Obama Elementary School.

The school currently serves about 430 students, from kindergarten to the 6th grade, and is situated on 42nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

A new school building is due to open in time for the 2020-21 school year under its new name, which was decided after two public meetings between parents, students, and others in the community on January 23.

In an official announcement posted online, Board President Stephanie Hernandez-Jarvis stated:

"Naming this school after Michelle Obama is a sign of the school's rebirth. We can see the new physical structure being built, but this name change sets high expectations for the students and staff as they enter a new era for this school and this school community."

Hernandez-Jarvis continued: "The parents and students advocated to rename their school after Michelle Obama because they believe the values our former First Lady embodies and the educational, child-centered causes she champions, are representative of what we all aspire to nurture in our school communities."

She added: "She is a role model for our children and we strive to serve our students with the same kind of love, advocacy, and courage that she served our country."

Meanwhile, Principal Claudia Velez stated: "We have the opportunity to have a beautiful new school named after a person who really represents our diversity and values. Our school is diverse, modern and innovative, and the things that the kids will be doing will prepare them for a very strong and successful future in whatever career they choose."

The board of an elementary school in Northern California has unanimously decided to rename the educational institution after the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.

According to a report by The Hill, the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education voted in favor of renaming Wilson Elementary School, based in El Cerrito in California, to the Michelle Obama Elementary School.

The school currently serves about 430 students, from kindergarten to the 6th grade, and is situated on 42nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

A new school building is due to open in time for the 2020-21 school year under its new name, which was decided after two public meetings between parents, students, and others in the community on January 23.

In an official announcement posted online, Board President Stephanie Hernandez-Jarvis stated:

"Naming this school after Michelle Obama is a sign of the school's rebirth. We can see the new physical structure being built, but this name change sets high expectations for the students and staff as they enter a new era for this school and this school community."

Hernandez-Jarvis continued: "The parents and students advocated to rename their school after Michelle Obama because they believe the values our former First Lady embodies and the educational, child-centered causes she champions, are representative of what we all aspire to nurture in our school communities."

She added: "She is a role model for our children and we strive to serve our students with the same kind of love, advocacy, and courage that she served our country."

Meanwhile, Principal Claudia Velez stated: "We have the opportunity to have a beautiful new school named after a person who really represents our diversity and values. Our school is diverse, modern and innovative, and the things that the kids will be doing will prepare them for a very strong and successful future in whatever career they choose."