UPDATE: Teachers from the now-closed Brennan-Rogers Magnet School in New Haven are experiencing severe challenges following the school’s abrupt closure, confirmed by officials on June 17, 2025. The closure, part of a plan to address a staggering $16.5 million budget deficit, has left educators grappling with emotional turmoil and logistical hurdles as they transition into new roles.
Molly Seely, a former librarian at Brennan-Rogers, described the day of the closure as “heartbreaking.” Instead of saying farewell to her beloved eighth-graders, she was informed during a last-minute meeting with Superintendent Madeline Negrón that the school would close due to low enrollment of just 132 students. Seely expressed her sorrow, stating, “It’s never a good sign when administration from downtown starts filing in,” reflecting the shock felt by many staff members.
The New Haven Board of Education approved the school’s closure in early July, causing distress among teachers who were forced to relocate with minimal assistance. “It was very traumatizing,” said Latrice Peterson, a former special education teacher. She recounted the chaos of packing up her classroom, which was compounded by a paltry offer of just three hours’ pay for moving assistance.
As the new school year began, teachers like Ahmed Maklad found themselves in vastly different teaching environments. Maklad now teaches 97 eighth-grade students at Betsy Ross Arts Interdistrict Magnet School, a significant increase from his previous class sizes of 10 to 15 students. He noted, “With a classroom of this size, the level of education is not the same,” highlighting the challenges of managing diverse student needs in larger classes.
The New Haven Federation of Teachers has filed a grievance regarding the rushed transition process. Union president Leslie Blatteau confirmed that they are seeking compensation for the inadequate moving timeline, with many teachers feeling unsupported. Seely, for instance, rented a storage unit to accommodate classroom essentials that were not provided by the district.
In a statement, New Haven Public Schools spokesperson Justin Harmon claimed that the district offered assistance but acknowledged that the transition has been difficult for many staff. He emphasized that changes were necessary to avoid layoffs but admitted that larger class sizes and reduced elective offerings have negatively impacted both teachers and students.
Former teachers expressed deep concern for their students’ well-being. Maklad remarked on the detrimental effects on student mental health due to a lack of continuity in teaching staff. “Students are constantly being left behind to deal with the next teacher,” he said.
Paulette Bosley, another former teacher, described the closure as a “hit in the stomach” and expressed her intention to leave the district after this experience. The sense of community that once thrived at Brennan-Rogers, where teachers formed strong relationships with students and families, has been shattered.
Despite these challenges, former staff members are staying connected. Bosley mentioned maintaining a group text with her former colleagues and planning a Christmas gathering. She continues to support former students, helping them navigate their new environments and offering a sense of familiarity amid the upheaval.
As the school year progresses, the impact of the closure on both educators and students is becoming increasingly apparent. Teachers are calling for greater support from the district to address these urgent challenges. The community watches closely as the ramifications of this closure unfold, emphasizing the need for immediate action to support both students and teachers affected by these drastic changes.
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