Overview
- The Phoenix Union governing board approved the new name in a 4–3 vote, opting for Cactus Canyon to reflect student preference.
- The district’s process drew 990 name nominations and 6,506 public votes, with Laveen leading at 1,710 and Cactus Canyon at 1,418.
- Leaders said students rated Cactus Canyon highest, and the board prioritized those voices in making the final choice.
- The district estimates about $700,000 to implement the change, and the school will keep its purple and silver colors and Champions nickname.
- The renaming followed a March New York Times report alleging sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez, which prompted Phoenix Union to reassess honors bearing his name.