The Madison School Board received a proposal to rename Glendale Elementary School in honor of the late Dr. Virginia Henderson, a beloved and legendary educator and matriarch for many in the Madison community who passed away in April after complications of pneumonia.
Dr. Henderson, along with her husband Dr. Perry Henderson, were well-known philanthropists in Madison and through their generosity and volunteer work have impacted multiple generations of families throughout Dane County.
For many years, Dr. Virginia Henderson worked as a school psychologist and diversity consultant with the Madison Metropolitan School District. She was honored as a YWCA Women of Distinction in 1991 and Woman of the Year Award from Mothers of Simpson Street in 1994 and the Madison Area Service Club Ruth Gordon Service Award. Henderson was a founding member of Women in Focus, an organization in the Madison area dedicated to helping students of color achieve their dreams. She was also was the founder of the African American Ethnic Academy.
Glendale Elementary School is located in the southeast corner of Madison close to Highway 51, just blocks from Madison La Follette High School and Sennett Middle School.
According to a news release, the school board will hold a window for public comment that is at least 30 days long. Board President Gloria Reyes will pick a 12-person committee to discuss the name change and any other proposed names. Depending on how many renaming proposals the committee has to consider, a decision on the name could be made in January or February.
