MSD renames facilities in two schools

At a recent board meeting, Milford School District Board of Education voted to rename the library at Evelyn I. Morris Early Childhood Center “The Mary Louise O’Bier Library,” in honor of a long-serving teacher who recently passed away in a tragic automobile accident. In addition, the Milford Middle School Main Office will be renamed “The Marvin Schelhouse Quarterdeck.”

“For those who are not aware, a quarterdeck is the command center of a ship, so we felt that would be very fitting to name that space,” Board President Scott Fitzgerald said. “The staff and leadership have done a great job of using some of Mr. Schelhouse’s prized Buccaneer possessions. In addition, the library at Morris Early Childhood Center was recently renovated and redesigned.”

Superintendent Travis Moorman presented the resolution to the board, stating that the request came as a way to demonstrate two individuals who had dedicated a lifetime of commitment and education to the students of Milford School District. Staff and stakeholders at Morris requested that the library be renamed in honor of O’Bier.

“She tragically lost her life in a car accident on June 6, 2025. She was a 1968 graduate of Milford High School and spent her entire career as an elementary teacher at Banneker and Morris,” Moorman said. “After her retirement, she returned as a substitute teacher where she continued to serve students until her tragic death.’

Moorman read from a letter submitted by Morris principal Laurie Moorman.

“[O’Bier]  truly loved every child she encountered, and they loved her in return,” Ms. Moorman wrote. “She could often be found sitting with a group of students, reading stories, sharing laughter or offering encouragement. Her love for books was contagious and her presence in our school embodied everything that makes a special place for young learners.”

The request to name the main office of the Milford Middle School came from the family of Schelhouse who passed away on September 8, 2022. Schelhouse was a 1955 graduate of Milford High School.

“Marvin served on the Milford School District Board of Education for over 30 years,” Moorman said. “He served as president of the board multiple times, and was recognized with several awards, including the Jefferson Award for Community Service and a tribute from the General Assembly for outstanding service to public education. He played a significant role in the recognition of the Milford 11 in 2005 with the placement of a historical marker recognizing Milford’s struggle for educational equality.”

Moormon continued, stating that Schelhouse was a cornerstone of the Milford community and the Milford School District. A proper dedication of each space will be held during the February 23, 2026, board meeting which will be held at Morris and on May 18, 2026, during the board meeting which will be held at Milford Middle School. Board Vice-President Matt Bucher asked if there would be some sort of dedication recognizing the two individuals.

“We would like to give the schools the opportunity to provide some input in what that dedication would look like, “Moorman said. “We would set aside some time during those board meetings to do a proper ceremony that is inclusive of the entire school board. We most certainly plan to invite family members of both individuals.”

The board voted to approve the renaming of the two facilities unanimously.