It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Robert “Bob” Brooks, who died peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2025. Dr. Brooks was one of MSA’s foundational pillars and a tireless champion of magnet schools throughout his remarkable career.
As an original founding member of MSA, Dr. Brooks helped establish the foundation upon which our organization stands today. Even well into his eighties, he remained an active advocate and board member for MSA and for magnet schools as an exemplary model for public school choice, never wavering in his commitment to educational excellence.
Dr. Brooks served with distinction as the Executive Director from 2000 to 2012, Past President, and as MSA’s first Secretary-Treasurer. Under his leadership, MSA experienced significant financial and membership growth. One of his most enduring legacies was co-creating the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL) in 2004. His expertise as former Director of Magnet Schools and Gifted Education Programs for Providence School District brought invaluable real-world experience to our efforts.
A prolific author and editor, Dr. Brooks contributed significantly to the knowledge base of magnet education through works including “Definitive Studies of Magnet Schools: Voices of Public School Choice” and “Blueprint for Understanding and Operating Successful Magnet and Theme-Based Schools,” which remain essential resources today.
Those who knew Dr. Brooks personally remember him as a mentor who led with genuine kindness and served others with humility. He was meticulous with his speeches and never missed an opportunity to thank staff and members, rarely bragging despite his many accomplishments. Colleagues fondly recall his frugal approach to conference planning, even suggesting to cut the brownies in half. He loved a tight budget and never balked at reducing food and beverage costs to save the organization money. Yet he had his simple pleasures, including his afternoon strolls, driving in his Saab convertible with the top down (with a hat, of course), and his beloved bread pudding at the Hamilton Crowne Hotel in downtown DC. His mentorship touched lives and inspired careers with his unwavering belief in education’s power to transform communities.
As we mourn this loss, we celebrate Dr. Brooks’ extraordinary legacy. He was not only a distinguished educator and leader but also a devoted parent and grandparent whose values extended far beyond the professional realm. We are comforted knowing that he has joined his beloved wife Jean, who he devoutly cared for until her passing in 2017.
Dr. Brooks leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of magnet school leaders. His vision of equitable, innovative public education lives on in every magnet school classroom and every educator who carries forward his commitment to excellence.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Brooks’ family and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
Dr. Brooks’ passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to magnet education will endure forever. We are all better for having known him.
With profound gratitude for his service and deep sympathy for our loss,
The Board and Staff of Magnet Schools of America
