New Hillsborough elementary schools' names: Thompson, Lamb

The next elementary schools in Hillsborough County will be named for former administrators Vince Thompson and Jack Lamb, the school board voted Tuesday.

The board decided after hearing from a number of commenters and reviewing nominations collected from the public over the last month.

The first, Elementary School A in Ruskin, will be named for Thompson, a choice many in the Ruskin community wanted, said board member Stacy White.

"Vince had a tremendous impact on my life. He was my high school principal at East Bay and quite frankly a friend," White said. "We stayed in touch through the years. He's been a tremendous friend, mentor and supporter."

Thompson was the first principal of Riverview High School when it opened in 1998. Before going into administration, he was a teacher and football coach. He continued working part-time for the district after retiring. He died last year.

"He was there for every single child," said board member Candy Olson, noting Thompson's dedication to migrant students.

The school will be built in 2014, adjacent to Lennard High School.

Elementary School B, planned for later in 2014, will be named for Lamb, a retired administrator and former board member. The school will be located in Magnolia Park near Progress Village Middle Magnet School.

"You were certainly a fine colleague on the school board," White said, addressing Lamb, who was at Tuesday's meeting, "and I know that you've given your life to education and contributed considerably to the field."

Times staff