Michael Jackson's hometown will name a school after the late King of Pop as Gary, Indiana community will let the Jackson Estate to have its say on which school to bear his name.
According to the Indiana Star, the Gary Community School Board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson which was signed last month.
The signed agreement, Sun Times reported, does not establish any contractual relationship between two parties but instead "the Gary Community School Corporation seeks to honor Michael Jackson and to inspire children to excel in the arts and education."
Gary Community School Corp. Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt said it is not yet known which school to be renamed that will bear Jackson's name. However, the district has now been working with the Jackson family in the selection process.
"A close relationship with the Jackson family to improve the quality of programs for the Gary Community School Corp. can mean tremendous gains for the school district and the city as a whole," Pruitt said.
Michael Jackson's hometown renaming a school after him was prompted when the singer's mother donated $10,000 in April during the Gary Promise scholarship event, the Gary Community School Corp. superintendent added.
The first in the list of school selections is Roosevelt High School, where Michael Jackson received an honorary diploma during one of his home visits in Gary. The school district won't be able to rename the school until 2016, though, as the school is operated and handled by the state of Indiana.
Michael Jackson spent 11 years in Gary, Indiana before moving out as he soared to popularity with the Jackson 5. The entire Jackson family moved to California from then on.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 due to drug overdose. The Coroner's office in Los Angeles ruled the death as homicide which convicted Jackson's personal physician, Conrad Murray of involuntary manslaughter.
Michael Jackson is survived by his three children, Prince Michael, Paris Katherine and Prince Michael II or Blanket.
