Jamestown High School will adopt a new logo and mascot based on the recommendations of a committee. The Jamestown Public Schools Board approved the measure during a reorganizational meet Thursday night.

The resolution also stated that any use of Native American imagery, including any “J” with feathers be discontinued and all feathers be removed from buildings and playing fields. All uniforms or attire with the imagery also will be replaced as part of the plan.

The school district will hire a graphic designer and trademark attorney to design a new logo and mascot for the high school.

School board member Joe Pawelski, who also sits on the JPS Mascot Committee, said the board will be seeking student, staff and community input on what the new logo and mascot should be going forward.

“Our district, and the board of education, is one that values our diversity and the inclusivity of all students. I am very happy with the board’s resolution tonight to eliminate any reference to Native American imagery in the JHS logo or mascot,” said Paul Abbott, school board president. “This has been an on-going process since 2014. We appreciate the hours of volunteer time the committee has put into researching the history, delving into the community’s feelings about the logo and mascot, and giving us the recommendations to make this valuable decision for our district.”

Board member Nina Karbacka made a motion to amend the resolution to include changing the name “Red Raider.”

“I am very in favor of eliminating any Native American imagery but I don’t approve of Red Raiders,” Karbacka said. “I feel that though that name has historically not represented Native Americans, it has represented Native Americans for 50 years and is very closely associated with that. And I feel that our board and school system has a strong feeling of inclusivity and respect for our students and that name does not reflect that.”

The board defeated the amendment by a 5-1 vote, which keeps “Red Raider” name.

“When changing the mascot was being discussed in 2014, we didn’t have the research or history of the committee, so I was torn with the same idea. Red Raiders: Do we keep that name? Is it based on Native American imagery or connotations? And I think Committee Chair, Ben Drake, came forward with some evidence dating back to the ’40s and that helped convince me that the name is not tied to Native American imagery,” said Patrick Slagle, board vice president.

The Mascot Committee will continue to meet and will keep the school board and community updated on the progress of the new high school logo and mascot.

“I want to thank the members of the committee for their past and continuing efforts on this issue,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, district superintendent. “It has been challenging work. This is an important issue of respect, and we will continue to work toward a fully inclusive and respectful environment in our schools. I look forward to engaging our stakeholders in the search for new imagery for our district.”