The School Facilities Naming Committee Ballot
This form is used for individuals to input their qualifications and to vote regarding the proposed school property naming listed below.
A group of New Haven Public School stakeholders has asked that the pool at John Martinez be named in honor of William Benitez.
If a major portion of a school building or school grounds (media center, auditorium gymnasium, field, etc.) is proposed to be named after an individual, that person shall have attained local or national prominence via significant contributions in any field of endeavor. Such contributions or the significance of their place in history shall be clearly established beyond the generation of the contribution. An individual so recognized shall no longer be active in his/her career. Further, the individual for whom a portion of a school building or school grounds is to be named must be shown to have broad-based, long-term impact to the school district community.
Below is a Bio Sketch of William Benitez. for your review.
William Benitez was born and raised in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, where his early life was shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a deep connection to the sea. Professionally, he balanced entrepreneurship with a skilled career as an electronic technical engineer in manufacturing. He specialized in building printed circuit boards and designing the machines that tested them, combining precision, innovation, and hands-on craftsmanship. Alongside his technical work, William carried a lifelong passion for the ocean. Swimming came naturally to him, and at a very young age he became a scuba diver, constantly seeking opportunities to explore underwater life. Occasionally he taught or guided tours, but most often he dove simply for the sense of freedom. He would describe it with quiet wonder: “It is like flying, but surrounded by water.”
William’s commitment to service became especially visible after moving to New Haven. He was struck by the reality that, despite access to pools and a shoreline, many children in underserved communities did not know how to swim. Motivated by both concern and purpose, he joined efforts to expand opportunity. Through FAME, in partnership with the Martinez community school, God’s Hands, and his work as a certified Water Safety Instructor with LEAP and New Haven Parks and Recreation, William helped launch a swimming initiative for youth. What began as basic swim instruction grew into lifeguard certification and eventually training for first responders. The American Red Cross recognized his contributions, but William valued most the transformation he witnessed: a new generation of diverse young lifeguards—young men and women equipped not only with technical skills, but with a strong sense of accountability, responsibility, and commitment to their community and families.
Above all, William was defined by his devotion to family and humanity. He was his wife’s unwavering cheerleader, encouraging and supporting her pursuit of a Ph.D. and her journey into educational leadership. His children, relatives, and friends always received his full presence, steady guidance, and belief in their potential. He challenged those he loved to strive for their best while honoring who they were as human beings. Reliable, encouraging, and deeply compassionate, William was someone people could always count on—an anchor of strength, love, and quiet inspiration.
It has been proposed that, to honor William Benitez, the pool at John Martinez be named for him.
Eligibility to Vote:
- Currently working in the New Haven district or a district retiree.
- 18 years or older
Please follow the required guidelines below and provide all the required information to submit your nomination.
Thank you for participating.
Policy Service
The Connecticut Reference Manual
of School Board Policies, Regulations, and Bylaws
7551
New Construction
Naming Facilities
The naming of school buildings, major portions of buildings, or school grounds is the responsibility of the Board of Education. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Board will make every effort to respect community preferences. Such names should be clearly identifying, widely known, and recognized.
It is the policy of the Board to name school buildings as close as possible to the time construction begins in order to lessen the confusion about the new schools.
When naming new buildings, major portions of buildings, or school grounds, the Board shall formally identify the need for a naming process for the identified school locations, as well as criteria it wishes to be considered in the process.
When naming a school building, major portions of school buildings, or school grounds the Board shall direct the Superintendent to establish a committee, subject to Board approval, comprised of the Superintendent or designee, the building Principal, faculty member, parents, community members, and, if appropriate, students to consider name recommendations for consideration by the Board. Opportunities for public input must be made available prior to the committee's recommendation to the Board. Such opportunities for public input must be publicly announced in newspapers and on the District website.
When naming new buildings, the committee shall have representation by the community members that is representative of the entire school district. The committee shall propose a list of names to the school board of not more than five (5) names for Board consideration.
If a major portion of a school building or school grounds (media center, auditorium gymnasium, field, etc.) is proposed to be named after an individual, that person shall have attained local or national prominence via significant contributions in any field of endeavor. Such contributions or the significance of their place in history shall be clearly established beyond the generation of the contribution. Individuals so recognized shall no longer be active in his/her career. Further, the individual for whom a portion of a school building or school grounds is to be named must be shown to have broad-based, long-term impact to the school district community.
Collections of works, memorials, or other major gifts to the school district may be acknowledged and named by individual schools, subject to the district's policy and procedures for accepting donations. Prior to accepting such donations and naming, a plan for maintenance and upkeep must be identified and presented to the school Board.
The Board retains the right to make final determination in the naming of buildings, major portions of school buildings, or school grounds. This policy not withstanding, it is the intent of the Board that naming of portions of the building and school grounds occur infrequently and on a limited based.
