FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) – The naming of the new alternative school of Fresno Unified has sparked controversy.

At Wednesday night’s school board meeting, community members said a majority of people wanted the school to be named after world-renowned Armenian journalist Roger Tatarian. Instead, the board chose to name the new school after local philanthropists Francine and Murray Farber.

Fresno Unified administrator Terry Slatic has said he wants Fresno Unified to consider what community members have to say before voting on the name.

“School district says hey, let’s do a poll, let’s see what citizens and voters want alright, unfortunately, the data coming back in a way they didn’t want,” Slatic said.

Fresno Unified launched a survey on its website asking community members to nominate a prominent person for the new school to bear the name. The results showed that a large majority wanted Roger Tatarian.

“So now we’re going to take the vote-getter that was third but gave a lot of money and name the campus after them,” Slatic said.

According to Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson, people did not vote to name the school, but instead suggested council candidates to vote on.

“In reality, the survey is designed to ask who are the deserving people to be considered and the professional staff provide the names of the people who have been nominated most often, then the board and their competent authority decide who they will nominate. campus. after, ”Nelson said.

Nelson said the Farbers had given scholarships to Fresno Unified students for years and believed they deserved the school to bear their name.

Nelson also addressing the absence of the Fresno Unified School named after a prominent Armenian.

“There is no building in sight for someone from the Armenian community which is a gap and it is clear that the Armenian community has played a huge role in the history of the valley and is fundamental to it. history of Fresno, ”Nelson said.