Clark Intermediate is changing its mascot after 50+ years

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Clark Intermediate is changing its mascot after more than 50 years.

Students have been known as the Chieftains since the school opened, but soon that name will become a thing of the past.

Clovis Unified Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants says it’s changing because of the passage of Assembly Bill 3074, known as the California Racial Mascots Act.

“This one bill in particular expanded to Indigenous People’s mascots. While the bill itself is a little bit vague, the examples that were given included the Chiefs. We here at Clark are the Chieftains,” Avants said.

The bill prohibits schools from using any derogatory Native American term as a school or athletic team name, mascot or nickname.

Schools operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization are exempt.

“I think our kids have been proud to be known as the Chieftains, but we recognize too that, and in talking with indigenous peoples over the last about half year, we also recognize that in the course of competing with others, and how field of competition and the calls and the chants and things can become less respectful in what’s done to the school,” Avants said.

Schools must remove the names by July 1, 2026, so Avants says Clovis Unified has been asking for feedback from the community, parents and students.

At the November 12 board meeting, staff formally made a recommendation to change the mascot to align with Clovis High.

That means – if approved by the board – Clark Intermediate students would change from Chieftains to Cougars starting next year.

“They keep their school colors, they keep that classic seed that’s so popular. For our students and community, that was really well received. That’s been something that consistently was coming out in those conversations, so that again, they recognize that if we have that opportunity, it’s a great idea,” Avants said.

Administrators say the exact cost of the change is still being determined.

While the state doesn’t provide funding to support the shift, it does give schools a two-year grace period to transition certain items like uniforms. Avants says they don’t plan to take that long to make the changes.

The board will make an official vote on the name change at their meeting on December 12.

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