The Port Angeles School Board voted on Sept. 25 to name the district's new middle school Hurricane Ridge Middle School. The name was one of four recommended by a district committee that included staff, students, tribal representatives and community members.
The committee had proposed Hurricane Ridge Middle School, Riverstone Middle School, Elwha River Middle School and Port Angeles Middle School. District officials said the group considered geographic recognition, cultural significance and symbolic meaning when making its recommendations.
Superintendent and board members discussed public correspondence and two opportunities the district provided for public comment on the proposals. During the meeting a board member argued the district should treat the new building as a new school and noted that changing name‑related signage would not carry legacy costs because the structure is new.
A motion to select Hurricane Ridge Middle School was moved and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote with members responding 'Aye.' No formal roll‑call vote was recorded in the public meeting transcript.
District staff said the naming followed the district's established policy process and that further steps will include signage, communications and incorporating the name into design elements as the building opens.