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Board approves renaming: Bernard White campus retained and independent-studies program rebranded as New Haven Academy
Summary
After community forums and a survey, the board approved retaining the Bernard White name for the campus (to be memorialized) and adopting "New Haven Academy" as the new name for the district's independent studies program; trustees discussed plaques and other ways to preserve local history.
The New Haven Unified School District board voted Tuesday to approve staff recommendations on facility and program names after a period of community input.
Dr. Thompson summarized the community process (more than 100 survey responses and two forums) and recommended the board "rename that facility the Bernard White campus" while moving the district's independent studies program forward under the name "New Haven Academy." Dr. Thompson said the recommended names reflect community sentiment and a vision for expanding program offerings.
Public commenter Michelle Prinala asked the board to consider honoring local figures, specifically requesting that the independent-studies program be named in memory of Mr. Cabo, whose school had been leveled. Trustees acknowledged those requests and discussed ways to preserve and surface local history beyond program names, including plaques, dedicated wings, or future naming opportunities.
Trustees debated the trade-offs between a marketable program name to draw families and the desire to retain historical recognition. Several trustees supported moving forward with the staff recommendation while pursuing additional steps to memorialize community figures. The motion to adopt the staff'recommended names passed by voice vote.
The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with legacy-status nonprofit user groups; Trustee Gonzalez recused himself from that vote because of a family conflict noted on the record.
Next steps include implementing the new program branding and returning to communications and advocacy to develop taglines or pathways language so prospective families understand program offerings.
