And the name is...

The former Limestone Learning Center will be known as the Cherokee Community Learning Center when the new building opens. It took only 12 minutes Monday evening for the Cherokee County School Board to pick up a new name for a $7 million building under construction.

Cherokee Community Learning Center was the name chosen for the building that serves as home for the district's adult education and alternative programs.

The building was formerly called the Limestone Learning Center.

School trustees voted 5-0 to rename the community learning center at a special called meeting. Board members Lindley Auton, Amanda Knowles and Billy Blackwell were absent.

The building's new name was recommended by a district committee that met June 12 at the school board's request. Committee members included community learning center director Dr. Rance Cobb, Blacksburg High teacher Tina Sparks, Gaffney High assistant principal Donnie Littlejohn and First Piedmont Federal Vice- President Kathy Baines.

Cherokee County Superintendent Dr. Bill James suggested another name would be appropriate since the community learning center will be across town from its old location adjacent to Limestone College. The new facility is located off Allison Road next to Luther Vaughan Elementary.

The district needed a decision on the name change soon so it would have enough time to order new signs and stationary before the school opens in August.

At a June 9 meeting, school board member Sandra Greene asked the district to name the community learning center in honor of former board member Ola Copeland, who served on the school board for 15 years until her death last October.

School trustees decided to stick with a district policy that prevents school buildings from being named after an individual until two years after his or her death.

As part of Monday's motion, school trustees agreed to revisit the issue in two years and consider naming the building in Copeland's honor at that time.

"I think we should name the building after Ola Copeland in recognition of her many years of service to the school district and community," Greene said. "She was always a strong supporter of public education."