Prince Edward County Public Schools has taken the first step in its long- term rebranding project.

Under the guidance of Superintendent Dr. Barbara Johnson, all staff, faculty and students had the opportunity to vote on the division’s new logo on Nov. 14.

Participants simply circled one of two logo options during the voting, though Johnson did say there were some write-ins.

“By having everyone in the division vote, I’m hoping that everyone takes a sense of ownership, I’m hoping that everyone takes a sense of pride and I want recognition for the division,” Johnson said.

It was important that everyone have a say in this project.

“My elementary students, as young as pre-K they can decide which picture they like better,” Johnson said.

She said the concept of rebranding the district was brought to her when she first began as superintendent in July. Johnson said at the beginning of her term she spent a considerable time listening to feedback from her constituents. She overwhelmingly heard they wanted the division to have a different image, which would highlight the “wonderful and positive things happening here.”

“If we are going to really look at how we’re going to change the division, then let’s start with something that’s very basic. Let’s look at our logo, let’s look at the eagle in general, let’s look at our mission and let’s look at our vision,” Johnson said.

Johnson took advantage of a free service provided by Longwood University design students. The student- run and fully functional Design Lab program provides university students with real-world design experience and gives clients a pro-bono service.

“It was an opportunity to partner locally with Longwood,” said Johnson, adding, “It’s just been a fabulous experience.”

For five weeks, Johnson went to meetings with Design Lab, with two students and a parent in tow.

“Every week, we’d get in the van and we’d go to Longwood and we’d talk about ‘what do we stand for, what do we represent, what do we want the eagle to look like.’”

Johnson said this was a valuable experience for the two students who chose to take up her offer of inclusion.

“They loved it and to be a client that was what was so eye opening,” she said.

Johnson targeted both yearbook and art classes to find students interested in participating with her in the project. She said she has generally had positive feedback on the rebranding project.

“The big question is why are we changing the logo,” Johnson said, replying, “It’s a sign we are moving forward, and committed to student voice and staff input.”

The logo won’t be fully utilized until the 2017-2018 school year, but will begin to be phased in during the spring.

There will be no cost of changing the logo, since schools will not be replacing all items with the old logo on it. Moving forward, the school will just use the new logo instead of the old ones.

“Everybody can look at the Nike swoosh and know that it is Nike and know what Nike stands for. That’s what I’m hoping will happen here,” Johnson said. “That they will see the logo whether you’re local or not and you’ll understand what we stand for.”

As the rebranding project continues, Johnson said the district will be working next on making some changes to the division’s website. Johnson hopes to continue working with Design Lab on this project during the spring.