INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Former School Superintendent J.A. “Coach” Thompson’s name will soon adorn the School District’s administrative complex now that the Indian River County School Board has unanimously approved the naming.
Thompson was the longest-serving superintendent the district has had. His tenure ran from 1949 through 1969. Before becoming the superintendent, he was a coach and a teacher.
Thompson’s son, Jim Thompson, was in the audience and thanked the School Board for their consideration. He said he wondered what would happen to his father’s name after the board decided to relocate Osceola Magnet to the Thompson Lifelong Learning Center (formerly Thompson Elementary).
After the board made the decision, current Superintendent Dr. Fran Adams called Thompson to her office, he said – noting it was the first time in 53 years he had been summoned to the Superintendent’s Office.
“He was honored, pleased and touched,” Thompson said of his dad on the day then-Thompson Elementary was named for him.
Given the elder Thompson’s service as superintendent, his son said naming the administration complex would be more in keeping with what his dad represented.
“He would be even more pleased, honored and touched,” Thompson said.
“It is indeed an honor,” School Board member Matt McCain said of naming the administration complex for Thompson. He explained that, though he did not know the elder Thompson, as a child he played Little League at J.A. Thompson Field behind Rosewood Magnet. “I’m proud to be on the board” to make this name change.
School Board Chair Jeff Pegler said after the meeting Tuesday that the resolution permanently names the administration complex, regardless of whether the complex is later moved elsewhere within the county.
The School Board has been exploring options to move out of the current building, which is owned by the Indian River County Commission. In the event the School Board finds a new home for its offices, the name J.A. Thompson Administration Complex will travel to the new site.
