Board accepts proposal to advance naming of Downey High fitness center for coach Nick Ciponari

The Modesto City Schools board on March 30 accepted a proposal to forward for consideration the naming of the Thomas Downey High School fitness center in honor of coach Nick Ciponari.

District staff explained the board's action is an initial acceptance of the proposal, not the final naming. "When we talk about the recommendation tonight, the recommendation is to accept the proposal," staff said, and noted a second reading and final decision will occur at an April 20 meeting.

Two community speakers urged the board to move forward. Glenn Harris, a retired Modesto teacher, said Ciponari's career spanned nearly four decades in the district and described his mentorship and athletic accomplishments. "We're respectfully requesting that the Modesto City Schools board and administration pass a resolution to honor retired teacher and coach Nick Ciponari," Harris said. Scott Langford, a former player and colleague, described Ciponari's leadership and philanthropic work, including decades of running the Downey Christmas Fund to support students in need.

Trustee Brown moved the motion to accept the proposal; Trustee Ervin seconded. The board voted unanimously to accept the proposal and set April 20 for a second reading and possible final action.

The motion accepted is administrative and moves the naming request into the district's formal process under board policy and administrative regulation 73-10; the board did not complete the final naming vote on March 30.