In accordance to state guidelines passed by the New York State Board of Regents, schools must refrain from using names, images, or mascots that reference Native American cultures. Districts must be in compliance with the new state requirements by June of 2025.

The district's current mascot is the Braves. Voters Thursday will choose between the Bears, Blazers and Bobcats.

Students and staff will vote on the new mascot during the school day. District residents can cast their vote in the Bradford Central School District Cafeteria from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. An open house about the change will also be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The vote comes after a call went out for community members to submit mascot suggestions earlier this year.

Bradford is not alone in its mascot change. The Owego-Apalachin Central School District changed its mascot name from the Indians to the River Hawks in 2023. Watkins Glen Central School District also changed its mascot from the Senecas to the Lake Hawks. The Odessa-Montour Central School District rebranded as the Grizzlies after years under an Indian moniker. Odessa and Watkins Glen's combined sports teams now go by the Schuyler Storm, after previously going by the Seneca Indians. The Candor Coyotes were once called the Candor Indians.