CANISTEO, NY (WENY) - Canisteo-Greenwood is considering changing their mascot name from the "Redskins" after the Washington Football Team retired the nickname. 

Superintendent Thomas Crook says, "We'll see a surge in requests when the Washington Football team is in the headlines, right? So this year more than any other we're starting to see multiple individuals and media reaching out, including the Wall Street Journal."

In response to the inquiries, Crook sent out a message to the Canisteo-Greenwood community, saying a committee would be formed to have an important conversation regarding a possible name change. He says community involvement in the process is pivotal, and that is one of the reasons the district's last attempt to change the name, seven years ago and before his time as Superintendent, went poorly. 

Crook says this time, it will be different. He says, "We promised to the community that if we ever needed to have a conversation about changing the mascot they would be involved, and that time is now."

So far, the response is wide-ranging. He says, "It's very mixed, very across the board, but I will say that many people including the individuals that were highly opposed to it seven years ago understand that times have changed and the conversation is necessary."

Another factor: Bill 8708, which has been proposed in the New York State Senate. If passed, the bill would give any school with a mascot named after a nationality three years to change it, or they would lose all state aid.

For Canisteo-Greenwood, it would have massive implications. Crook says, "We would be looking at a $17 million shortfall in our budget."

The last budget passed was for a total of $24 million. 

As for a timeline, Crook says the main priority is preparing for students and teachers to return in the fall, with plans for school reopenings due July 31st. The committee will be formed during the school year.