Board renames Chavez Elementary

The Madera Unified School District’s School Board has voted to change the name of Cesar Chavez Elementary School to Cottonwood Creek Elementary School.

At first blush, this appears to be a fairly safe move. How much trouble can a creek bring on a school? On the other hand, however, how much pride will the new name engender?

Actually, the name change was not a slam dunk deal. It took the board a couple rounds of voting Tuesday evening to remove the name of the discredited Cesar Chavez from the campus’ buildings. 

Perhaps, that’s why the trustees opted to play it safe. Maybe that’s why the majority decided to turn a blind eye to former Madera Unified superintendent Ed Gonzales and several citizens who approached the board with a different name. They spoke out for the legendary Carles Beckett. 

When the board took up the issue for a vote, Trustee Ray Seibert nominated Beckett. Trustee Gladys Diebert seconded the motion, and Trustee Lucy Salazar joined Seibert and Deibert in their support for renaming the school after Beckett. The vote, however, went 4-3 against the motion, therefore, the attempt to rename the school after Beckett failed when Trustees Nadeem Ahmad, Israel Cortes, Ruben Mendoza, and Joetta Fleak voted “No.” 

The board then voted, unanimously, to rename Chavez School, Cottonwood Creek Elementary.

This decision has drawn disappointment from many Maderans who were expressing support for renaming the school after Beckett. They point to the lifetime of dedicated service Beckett has given Madera.

Carles Beckett has been a resident of Madera for 65 years.

Growing up, he attended Pershing, Sierra Vista, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Madera High School, graduating in 1963

After graduation from college, Beckett began a teaching career in 1967 at Ripperdan, where he remained for nine years. This was followed by three years as vice principal of Millview School, 15 years as Dixieland’s principal, and four years as principal of the new Lincoln School. 

From there, Beckett moved to the district offices of Madera Unified School District where he served in a number of administrative capacities.

During his tenure as Dixieland’s principal, the school was recognized as a California Distinguished School for three consecutive years. The school achieved the highest academic performance scores in Madera Unified. In addition to leading the school, Beckett mentored five teachers who went on to become educational leaders — two as superintendents and three as principals.

Throughout his career in education at Madera Unified, he served in several district level leadership roles. They include: MUSD’S Elementary Athletic Director; Organizer of the Netherton Relays; Director of Community Development; Director of Assessment and Accountability; Elementary Chief Academic Officer; twice, Head of Human Resources; District Public Information Officer; and District Recruiting Officer.

Beckett was also involved in long-range planning and bond development for the District. 

Following his retirement, he was elected to the MUSD School Board.

Currently, Beckett is serving as an administrative substitute, which allows him to remain connected to the schools and the community.

The recent action of the school board, notwithstanding, Carles Beckett remains a community treasure and one who will continue to be honored and remembered in Madera.