Procedure for name changes for district or college

(1)(a) Subject to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, the name of any community college district or community college may be changed by resolution of the district board of education. The district board shall submit the proposed name change to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for its approval or disapproval. If the proposed name change is approved by the commission, it shall be submitted to a public hearing in the district. If the commission disapproves the proposed name change, the district board may rescind its resolution or revise it to reflect a different name which must be submitted to the commission for its approval or disapproval. (b) If the proposed name is approved by the commission, notice of the hearing shall be given as provided in ORS 341.357. The proposed change shall take effect 21 days after the final adjournment of the public hearing unless a remonstrance is filed under subsection (2) of this section. (2) If a remonstrance to the proposed name change is filed with the district board within 20 days after the final adjournment of the public hearing under subsection (1) of this section, the district board must submit the question of the proposed name change to the electors of the district unless the board rescinds its resolution. The remonstrance must be signed by at least five percent or at least 50, whichever is less, of the electors of the district. The proposed name change shall be submitted to the electors at the regular school election next following adoption of the resolution. (3) If the majority of votes cast at the election favor the change, it shall take effect upon the canvass and return of the vote. If the majority of votes cast oppose the change, it shall not take effect.