Gwinnett County school board members unanimously voted Thursday night to name a middle school scheduled to open next year after state Rep. Brooks Coleman.

Coleman, a Republican from Duluth, taught fifth grade in the area and later became a principal and assistant superintendent in the Gwinnett school system. He’s currently chairman of the education committee in the state House of Representatives.

“I’m honored,” Coleman said in a telephone interview Friday. “I’m overwhelmed.”

Coleman Middle School will specialize in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

Several residents sent forms recommending the school be named after Coleman.