(KAIR)--When Atchison's public school leaders meet in August, setting the date for a forum, focused on the fate of the school district's mascot, will be among the priorities of the session.

Currently, Dr. Susan Myers, the Superintendent of Schools for USD 409, is researching possible moderators.

In an email to MSC News, Myers explained that the Board of Education, at their July meeting, directed her to do that research, with the focus to be placed on finding a neutral moderator not associated with the Atchison community.

She is expected to share her recommendations during the August 13 session.

At issue is the controversial, long discussed, possibility of moving the district away from the current Redmen mascot.

A committee, formed in late 2016, has completed it's work, compiling a list of pros and cons pertaining to the Redmen name.

The committee, which held a series of meetings, was formed after the school district received what Myers, at the time, called “written communications pertaining to the use of the Redmen mascot.”

The Redmen name, as the committee documented, is viewed by some as being racially insensitive to Native Americans.

A cost analysis has been conducted as to what the price tag will be in order to make that change.

According to Myers, making the switch is expected to cost $14,764 for Atchison High School and nearly $4,575 for the Middle School.

However, Myers said the estimate for AMS could soar to nearly $29,575 if the School Board were to choose to drum sand the gym floor off the regular cycle. She said she would recommend using the regular schedule, which would alleviate that additional cost.

Also, Myers said there would be no additional cost to change uniforms, as they would be replaced in the normal rotation.

There is currently no decision made on whether or not to move forward with the mascot change, with the public's input to be gathered on the matter during the as-yet-determined public forum.