The City of Fairfax School Board on Monday voted to change the name of Lanier Middle School. The school was named after Sidney Lanier, a Georgia poet who served in the Confederate Army. The Sept. 14 vote was 4-1, with just Mitch Sutterfield voting no.

The School Board will vote on a new name, later this fall, to take effect in the 2021-2022 school year. Community members may send their name suggestions via LanierComment@FairfaxVa.gov or to https://www.cityoffairfaxschools.org/ through this Friday, Sept. 18.

“I believe this is the right moment for this change,” said School Board Chairman Carolyn Pitches. “We need a name that represents who we are and one that represents our entire community. I overwhelmingly heard from students that they want to be proud of their school.”