There’s an effort to name the new Windham-Raymond middle school after late Democratic Maine lawmaker and child advocacy group founder Bill Diamond.

John Cressy is behind the effort, and he says Diamond was unusual in his ability to work in a bipartisan effort.

“That was just him,” said Cressy. “He had no qualms about talking to people on both sides of the aisle, and that’s really what is missing now, is the ability to reach across and bridge gaps. And that really was Bill.”

A teachers and alumni group began the effort to name the new middle school after Diamond and submitted a petition with more than 200 signatures.

Diamond’s daughter, Karyn, says her father was an inspiration for schools in general.

“My dad’s life work reflects what a school should really stand for,” said Karyn Diamond.  “Educating children, protecting children, helping students discover their potential, and more importantly, being a public servant in your community.”

The Windham-Raymond School District will take up the issue of naming the new middle school after Diamond Wednesday night.

Public comment will take place before the board votes.

Diamond served in the Maine State Legislature as a state senator three times. He was first elected in 1982 and was reelected in 1984.

He then was elected to be Secretary of State in 1988, a position he held until 1997 under Governor Angus King. During that time, Diamond entered the race for Maine’s 1st congressional district in 1994 but lost the Democratic primary election.

Diamond served as a state senator in District 12 between 2005-1013, and again in District 26 between 2015-2023.

In 2023, he founded child advocacy organization called Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, which has drawn attention to child abuse deaths and advocated for reforms.