UPDATE: A shocking turn of events has left former teachers of Brennan-Rogers Magnet School grappling with significant challenges as the new school year begins. The school, located in West Rock, was officially closed due to a looming $16.5 million budget deficit, leaving educators and students displaced.
On June 17, just before the school year ended, staff received an urgent email summoning them to a last-minute meeting. Molly Seely, a librarian at Brennan-Rogers, anticipated a heartfelt farewell to her beloved eighth graders. Instead, she faced a devastating announcement from Superintendent Madeline Negrón that the school would close due to persistently low enrollment, which had dwindled to just 132 students.
Former staff members described the emotional toll of the sudden closure. “It was very traumatizing,” said Latrice Peterson, who worked as a special education resource teacher. She emphasized the negative impact on mental health for both teachers and students. Teachers had a mere two weeks to pack their belongings, receiving only three hours’ pay for their efforts, prompting the New Haven Federation of Teachers to file a grievance over the inadequate support during this transition.
As they navigate new roles, many former Brennan-Rogers teachers report feeling unprepared. Ahmed Maklad, who now teaches English to 97 eighth graders at Betsy Ross Arts Interdistrict Magnet School, noted the overwhelming shift from smaller class sizes of 10-15 students to a full classroom of 27. He stated, “With a classroom of this size, the level of education is not the same,” highlighting the struggle to meet diverse student needs.
Additionally, the transition process was chaotic, with teachers given little time to choose new placements. Maklad had just 30 days to select a new position, without a formal orientation. He expressed frustration with the lack of district support, saying, “We were really bum-rushed into this.”
The sudden closure has not only disrupted teachers’ lives but has also deeply affected students. Teachers like Paulette Bosley have witnessed the struggles of former students adjusting to new environments, with some experiencing behavioral issues. Bosley recalled her efforts to support these students, saying, “I’ll pull my phone out and let him send a message to his old teacher, because I know her.”
The New Haven Public Schools spokesperson, Justin Harmon, defended the district’s actions, stating that the decision to close schools was made to avoid layoffs and manage the budget crisis. However, many former teachers feel the district’s priorities are misaligned, as larger class sizes and reduced support have become the new norm.
Amidst the chaos, former staff members are maintaining connections. Bosley mentioned that they keep in touch through a group text, planning gatherings to support one another. The sense of community fostered at Brennan-Rogers is not easily forgotten, as teachers and students alike mourn the loss of their school.
As the school year unfolds, the lingering effects of the closure will continue to impact the educational landscape in New Haven. With the district facing a significant budget deficit and shifting class dynamics, the focus now shifts to how these challenges will be addressed moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on the situation as it develops.
