Oshkosh Residents Will Choose New Middle School Name
The community has until October 30 to vote for one of three finalists for the new middle school opening in 2028.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Should public opinion carry more weight than board authority when naming new local schools?
Oshkosh residents have until October 30, 2026, to participate in an online survey to select a name for the new middle school under construction at the former Shapiro STEM Academy site. The Board of Education will use this public feedback to finalize the name of the facility on December 2.
Why it matters
Choosing a school name connects the new facility to Oshkosh's local history and geography, shaping the community identity of the school that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2028. The district prioritizes names rooted in significant local figures or landmarks to reflect the values of the surrounding area.
The Facilities Committee narrowed 891 total suggestions down to three finalists: Lewis Hine Middle School, Paul Poberezny Middle School, and Quarry Park Middle School. The final decision follows a previous September survey that included 849 respondents.
The players
Lewis Hine
A photographer and educator known for his documentary work who grew up in Oshkosh.
Paul Poberezny
The founder of the Experimental Aircraft Association with deep ties to local aviation history.
Oshkosh Board of Education
The governing body responsible for district facilities and oversight of student learning environments.
The details
The district facilities committee reviewed nearly 900 submissions to reach the current finalists, favoring choices that represent geographic landmarks, notable deceased contributors, or local history. The public now has the opportunity to weigh in through an online survey, which the Board of Education will formally review on November 11. This process ensures the new building reflects the specific culture and heritage of the local community before its 2028 opening.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Final day to participate in school naming survey.
November 11, 2026: School board reviews public feedback.
December 2, 2026: School board makes official name selection.
Fall 2028: New middle school scheduled to open.
The Home Front
Naming new schools through a public feedback process follows the district's standard practice of aligning physical infrastructure with local heritage. This approach helps ensure that new facility investments reflect the specific cultural and historical identity of the surrounding neighborhood.
If you are an Oshkosh resident, you can influence the final decision by completing the official naming survey before the October 30 deadline. Be sure to check the district website to view the full biographies and geographic details provided for each of the three finalists.
The takeaway
Public participation in the naming process ensures the new middle school honors the history of the Oshkosh community. Residents are encouraged to submit their feedback via the official portal before the October 30 deadline.
Further reading
For more information on local school developments, visit Secondary Education.
More information
To review the options or submit your vote, visit the middle school name survey.
Live Poll
Should public opinion carry more weight than board authority when naming new local schools?
