Board rejects naming Reed School music room for Dr. Verna D. Ruffin

The Waterbury Board of Education on March 20 rejected a motion to name Reed School’s music room in honor of Dr. Verna D. Ruffin, with a roll-call vote showing four in favor and five opposed.

The proposal was introduced by Vice President Eric Brown, who moved the motion to approve the naming. During discussion Brown said he opposed naming rooms after living people and questioned whether the action reflected a community-driven process. He said, “I oppose this renaming. I think these sorts of things that we are gonna do that have a forever effect, that are perpetual in nature, ought to be thoughtful. They ought to come from the community.”

Why it matters: Naming a school space is a permanent designation that trustees said should reflect broad community support. Several board members voiced concern that the process for this request did not include clear community input or meet the board’s customary standards for perpetual honors.

Board action and debate: Vice President Eric Brown moved the measure; a second was recorded. Trustee remarks focused on process and precedent rather than on Dr. Ruffin’s personal qualifications. Brown urged the board to avoid naming honors for living persons except in “extraordinary circumstances,” saying such recognitions should come after a full career and clear community backing.

Roll call and outcome: The board took a roll-call vote. The transcript records the following votes: Vice President Eric Brown — No; Commissioner Anthony Ireland — No; Commissioner Jackson — Yes; Commissioner Lopez — Yes; Commissioner O’Brien — No; Commissioner Orso — No; Commissioner Serrano Adorno — Yes; Commissioner Van Stone — No; President Hernandez — Yes. The motion failed by a 5-4 margin.

Next steps: The transcript records no immediate referral or follow-up action on the request. The board moved on to subsequent agenda items after the failed motion.