NHPS Arts Supervisor Hired

A former digital arts teacher and school musical theater director who currently serves as the top arts admin for Waterbury Public Schools will soon step into a similar supervisory role in the New Haven Public Schools district.

The Board of Education voted unanimously on Monday night to hire Holly Maxson to be the district’s next supervisor of performing and visual arts. She currently works as the supervisor of fine arts for Waterbury Public Schools.

The school board took that vote during its latest regular meeting held in person at Ross Woodward School and online via Zoom.

NHPS Supt. Madeline Negrón said there were a total of ten applicants for the job, five internal and five from outside of New Haven. She said four of the ten made it to a second round of interviews, and Maxson wound up emerging on top.

Maxson will begin her new New Haven role on July 1, at a starting salary of $165,980.

Maxson will replace Ellen Maust, who plans to retire after 44 years of service in New Haven’s public schools. Maust spent 29 of those years as a music teacher and 15 years as the director of the music and performing arts department.

Negrón described Maxson as a ​“beacon of excellence in education” with a ​“steadfast commitment to urban public school education.”

At Monday’s meeting, Negrón said Maxson was the best pick to foster students’ artistic potential and empower students to engage deeply with their creative instincts.

In the past, Maxson has been a teacher, administrator, coordinator, and performing artist with specific roles as a digital arts and general music teacher, orchestra director, and musical theatre director.

“Looking ahead Holly envisions a bright vibrant partnership with community stakeholders leveraging the rich cultural tapestry and diversity of New Haven to enrich the fine arts experience for all students,” Negrón said.

During remarks at Monday’s meeting, Maxson thanked the schools team for the hire and said she is honored to join NHPS’ work in shaping the cultural landscape of the community through collaborative partnerships to make arts accessible to all.

“I’m deeply committed to fostering a culture where fine arts will thrive in New Haven,” she said. ​“Together we will build bridges that span across disciplines and communities, fostering a culture of inclusivity while honoring heritage for all of our students.”

During Negrón’s personnel report on Monday, the superintendent also recognized the upcoming June 30 retirements of Lincoln Bassett math coach Patricia Abdur-Rahman, who’s served NHPS for 25 years; Beecher physical education teacher Robert Festo, who served 15 years; Worthington Hooker special education teacher Doreen Flynn, who served 34 years; and Fair Haven School TESOL teacher Armundas Zakarauskas, who’s served 23 years.

The personnel report’s information only sheet also included 14 teacher and 6 paraprofessional resignations.