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Educators and community urge board to review mass reassignments at New Haven Academy
Summary
Teachers and supporters said the district involuntarily reassigned nearly all tenured staff at New Haven Academy, calling for transparency, a review of process, and concern that replacing experienced staff risks harm to vulnerable students.
What speakers said: Several public commenters and at least one trustee raised alarm about the district’s decision to involuntarily reassign the majority of New Haven Academy staff for the 2026–27 school year. Margaret Herring said staff who have long led independent-study and hybrid programs were told reassignment was due to "program need and alignment," but she and others said no clear evidence was provided and asked for a transparent review.
Scope and concerns: Speakers described New Haven Academy as a K–12 alternative that serves students with medical needs, parenting teens, and others who require flexible schedules. Vice President Freeburg said the decision "keeps me up at night," noting the loss of tenured educators, some with decades of experience and program-building roles, and warned that replacing them with untested hires would risk students’ stability.
Board and district response: Trustees acknowledged the concern; Dr. Thompson and staff did not present a personnel action for board vote but said the administration will take feedback under advisement. The public asked for clearer communication to families, evidence supporting the reassignments, and assurance that students will not lose continuity of services.
What’s next: No formal personnel action was taken during open session. Trustees and community members asked staff to review the process and provide more information; any administrative personnel actions will proceed under applicable district procedures.
