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MOSI School Keeps Its Name

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2007

Updated: 11/26/2007 09:34 pm

NORTH TAMPA - The MOSI Partnership School will keep its name.

The Hillsborough County school board decided not to rename the elementary at the Museum of Science & Industry. The school was given the temporary name this summer before the school's fast-tracked opening.

The board considered changing the name under its usual naming procedure done for all new schools. The MOSI naming situation is unusual because names usually are decided before a school is built and students attend.
Board members voted on the issue at their meeting Nov. 6, but the vote ended in a tie, with one board member absent.

Half of the board wanted to keep the name; half wanted to name the school after John Iorio, the late University of South Florida professor and father to Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. Board members tabled the issue until all board members were present at the meeting Nov. 20.

Three people connected with the school spoke in favor of keeping the name.

"I've simply come here to ask you to keep the name," said Principal Cheryl Dafeldecker. "We already have our colors, we already have our MOSI Magic mascot, and our kids have already bought into the name."

Wit Ostrenko, president of MOSI, told board members that the name reflects the partnership between the museum and the school district.

"People know the MOSI brand stands for a quality family experience," he said.
Guidance counselor Sharon Caltigirone said the name reassures families.

"Parents know exactly where we are because of our name," she said. "We've turned an empty, dirty building ... into a wonderful school. Please help us keep our name."

Board member Candy Olson made a motion to keep the MOSI name before board members started to fill out their ballots, the normal naming procedure.

"I have much respect for Dr. Iorio and really want to name a school after him, but I think we really need to listen to the school," she said.

The board unanimously voted to keep the name.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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