UPDATE: The abrupt closure of Brennan-Rogers Magnet School in West Rock has sent shockwaves through the community as former teachers adjust to new roles amid emotional turmoil. The school, which served only 132 students, officially closed its doors after New Haven’s Board of Education approved a budget that seeks to address a looming $16.5 million deficit.
On June 17, the day of the eighth-grade graduation, librarian Molly Seely received a last-minute email summoning staff to an urgent meeting. Instead of bidding farewell to her beloved students, she faced a stark reality: the school was shutting down. “I knew in my heart of hearts, as soon as I saw bigwigs from the administration walk in, that we were closed,” Seely recounted.
At the meeting, Superintendent Madeline Negrón informed staff that the district was considering closing the school, a decision fueled by low enrollment and the financial crisis. Teachers were given a mere two weeks to pack and relocate their belongings, receiving only three hours of pay for this overwhelming task. “It was very traumatizing,” said Latrice Peterson, a special education teacher. “It played a great deal on mine and a lot of my colleagues’ mental health.”
As the 2025-26 school year began, many former Brennan-Rogers teachers reported feeling unprepared and unsupported in their transitions to new positions. Ahmed Maklad, who now teaches at Betsy Ross Arts Interdistrict Magnet School, faces a significant increase in class size, with up to 27 students in each class—far above the 10 to 15 he was accustomed to at Brennan-Rogers. “The level of education is not the same,” he noted, emphasizing the challenges of managing diverse student needs in larger classrooms.
The New Haven Federation of Teachers has stepped in, filing a grievance against the district for inadequate support during the transition. Union president Leslie Blatteau has stated that they are working to resolve the matter but declined to comment further on the ongoing process.
In the face of these challenges, former staff members continue to maintain connections, with plans for a holiday gathering. “We may not have all got along on every single day, but we knew how to have each other’s back,” said Paulette Bosley, a former teacher who now works at Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School.
The emotional impact of the closure is palpable. Former teachers express concern for the students they left behind. “Students are constantly being left behind to deal with the next teacher,” Maklad lamented, highlighting the detrimental effects on students’ mental health.
As these educators navigate uncertain futures, questions remain about the district’s commitment to supporting its teachers and students. The transition process has raised concerns over the adequacy of support provided during such critical changes, with many teachers contemplating their long-term future in the district.
With this closure, the community grapples with a profound loss, not just of a school, but of a close-knit family that provided essential support and stability. The repercussions of this decision will resonate far beyond the classroom, affecting the fabric of the community for years to come.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates on this developing story.
