Loritta Bonfante Johnson – Morgan Hill’s 2012 Woman of the Year and Morgan Hill Unified 2004 Educator of the Year – is the person that residents and educators are most in favor of being the new namesake for the former Burnett Elementary School campus.
During the public hearing portion of the Aug. 13 Board of Education meeting, nearly every one of the speakers showed their support for the long-time teacher, community activist and volunteer who passed away at age 80 in March.
“This is our chance to rename a place of learning so it truly reflects character and qualities that wish its students to also share,” said Cindy Miller, a Morgan Hill resident since 1975. “Tonight, we propose the school be renamed the Loritta Johnson High School.”
Dr. Jon Hatakeyama, who stated his children will be the fourth generation living in Morgan Hill, wanted the same namesake for the facility because “we’re starting to lose our identity, our rich heritage and some of the great people who lived in this community.”
Johnson’s educational background – 45 years working in the district – was the selling point of Renee Roberts, who believed Johnson’s “significant and extraordinary contributions to the educational programs in the district” as well as her “reputation within the community and outstanding character traits” made her the perfect namesake.
“This acknowledgment will perpetuate the memory and contributions of Loritta Johnson and provide a sense of history for future students, staff and residents in a name they can be proud of,” she explained.
A big driving force for ditching the site’s previous namesake, Peter Hardeman Burnett – California’s first governor for whom many other sites in various school districts are named for – was brought forth at previous meetings by the Tribal Chairman Valentin Lopez of the Amah-Mutsun Tribal Band of Costanoan/Ohlone Indians.
Lopez described Burnett as a racist who, during his term from 1849-1851, signed an executive order to exterminate all Indians; paid bounties of 25 cents to $5 for every dead Indian; and paid for military excursions to hunt and kill Indians.
The Board of Education agreed another more fitting name was in order for the northwest Morgan Hill site – which underwent $7 million in renovations over the summer in preparation of being the new home of Central Continuation High School. Central, which will keep its school name at the site, will eventually be joined by other district alternative education programs that will be housed there.
Interim Superintendent Steve Betando, acting on the Board’s direction, formed a five-member Citizens Advisory Committee to come up with at least three new names for the campus, which was vacated in a cost-cutting move back in the summer of 2006. Most recently, the site was used as the search headquarters for Sierra LaMar, the Morgan Hill teen who went missing March 16, 2012, which has since moved its operation to the old Central site on Monterey Street.
Lopez, along with another descendant of the Amah-Mutsun, made two recommendations for the renovated campus: 1) Ursemsa, which translates to place of learning; and 2) Adrian S. Lopez, Valentine’s brother and decorated Marine who gave his life during battle in the Vietnam War.
“By having Adrian’s name on the school we will give great honor to all veterans and also to the original people of this area,” said Lopez, noting the Amah-Mutsun have lived in the area for more than 10,000 years.
However, Lopez concluded that the tribe “would not be disappointed with the name of Loritta Bonfante Johnson” because she was “a very good friend of our tribe” and reached out to the Amah-Mutsun.
Margaret Rodrigues, a 38-year retired teacher from MHUSD, spoke in support of Johnson, a woman she worked with since 1976.
“She was a leader in all areas, always giving back to others,” said Rodrigues. “She was a tireless worker who thought of others first.”
Along with the names given at the public hearing, the district logged more than 20 other suggestions from residents. The advisory committee, whose members were kept confidential through the process, will pick three finalists. The Board will vote Aug. 27.
About the school
Burnett Elementary was the first Morgan Hill school and was built at a different location in 1856. In 1897, a new two-story school house was built at the corner of Burnett Avenue and Monterey Road. Further growth warranted another new school, the current site at 85 Tilton Ave.
Along with the names given at the public hearing, the district logged more than 20 other suggestions from residents, who either emailed or phoned in their responses. The advisory committee, whose members were kept confidential through the process, will pick three finalists and the Board will vote Aug. 27 on the new facility name.
