Public hearing on New South Norwalk school name draws split views over honoring Ruby Shaw vs. neighborhood identity

The Land Use and Building Management Committee of the Norwalk Common Council held a public hearing Sept. 3 to gather input on naming the new South Norwalk elementary school, with speakers sharply divided between naming the building for longtime educator Ruby Shaw and keeping a neighborhood-based name such as South Norwalk or SoNo. The committee did not vote; members said discussions would continue with the Board of Education.

The hearing drew parents, longtime staff and city council members who said the choice touches identity and history in the neighborhood. "This is about more than a name. It is about identity, pride, and belonging," said Shana Reed, a South Norwalk resident and former student of local schools. Reed told the committee she respects Dr. Ruby Shaw but urged the city to keep the neighborhood name so children "see themselves reflected in their education."

Why the debate matters: speakers said the name will shape community identity, reflect local history and influence how students and neighbors relate to the school. Several speakers described a multi-decade campaign by residents and educators to restore a neighborhood school in South Norwalk and said the naming choice is part of honoring that effort.

Principal Randall Austin said the school conducted a small community survey of 58 SoNo stakeholders (parents, staff and community members). "Overall, with our community members of faculty and staff, we had 46.4% who were opposed, 33.9% who were neutral and 19.6% who were open to the name change," Austin reported. He broke the sample down further: 37 parents responded (about 43% opposed, 30% neutral, 27% in favor), and 19 staff members responded (57% opposed, 38% neutral, 5% in favor). Austin also shared written comments submitted by parents and staff, some praising Dr. Shaw and others saying the neighborhood name better represents students who live nearby.

Several longtime educators and staff who worked in predecessor schools urged the committee to place Dr. Shaw’s legacy in context. "Ruby Shaw was an incredible person," said Anela Arnon Savona, who worked at Columbus Magnet School and in South Norwalk for decades; she suggested naming a community education center or another facility in Dr. Shaw’s honor so the history is taught rather than simply changing the school’s neighborhood identity.

Parents also spoke about day-to-day impacts. "Removing the name simply paints over history rather than... teaching from it," said parent Fatou Bolivar, who added that her children already identify with the school’s mascot and name.

Council member Darlene Young said she was "deeply, deeply disappointed" in the timing and process of the naming discussions and urged more robust community engagement, saying she had requested parent meetings earlier in the process and that those did not occur as she expected. Chair Barbara Smith and other committee members stressed that no vote would occur at the Sept. 3 meeting and that the committee will continue to consult with the Board of Education and the community.

Discussion vs. action: the committee held a public hearing (no vote) and closed the hearing after hearing comments. Council members flagged procedural concerns about how naming decisions are handled under the city’s charter and ordinance and asked for continued dialogue with the Board of Education and additional community outreach.

Context and background: speakers traced the school’s roots to Columbus Magnet School and a long community effort to restore a neighborhood school in South Norwalk. Several commenters noted existing place names tied to neighborhood identity (Silvermine Elementary, Cranberry Elementary) and cited those naming precedents when urging retention of a neighborhood-based name. Others said Dr. Shaw’s contributions to keeping schools open during desegregation-era challenges merited commemoration; some suggested dedicating an educational or community center in her name instead of changing the new elementary school’s name.

Next steps: the chair closed the public hearing and said the Common Council and Board of Education would continue discussions; no formal action was taken Sept. 3.

Ending: The committee will return to the issue at a future meeting after further outreach and internal discussion; no final naming decision or formal vote was recorded at the Sept. 3 session.