BERKELEY -- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School might change its name because the third U.S. president was a slave owner.

The question of whether to rename the school has been debated for more than two years. Principal Betty Delaney on Monday released a list of potential new names -- one nominated by a student, the rest by adults.

The possibilities include Ralph Bunche, the black diplomat at the United Nations who won the Nobel Peace Prize, and farmworker organizer Cesar Chavez.

"It's very clear that the name is offensive to a significant part of the population," said Marguerite Talley-Hughes, who sent her three children to Thomas Jefferson, adding that she thinks it's reasonable to want a name that is not offensive to some in the community.

Parents, students and teachers must first vote on a new name, then take a second vote on whether to replace Jefferson with the new name. The school board must approve any change.

Critics say the name change proposal has received more attention than more important issues.