UPDATE: The sudden closure of Brennan-Rogers Magnet School has left teachers grappling with profound loss and uncertainty as they transition to new positions. On June 17, a day meant for celebrating eighth-grade graduations, turned into an emotional upheaval for librarian Molly Seely and her colleagues when they learned of the school’s impending closure.
Just before students were set to leave for summer, New Haven Public Schools administration called an unexpected meeting, where Superintendent Madeline Negrón delivered the shocking news: Brennan-Rogers would close to address a projected $16.5 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Teachers reported that rumors had circulated about low enrollment, with only 132 students enrolled, but the finality of the announcement hit hard.
“It was very traumatizing,” said former special education teacher Latrice Peterson, highlighting the impact on mental health among staff. Teachers were given a mere two weeks to pack their classrooms, receiving only three hours of pay for the process. Many, including Seely, expressed frustration over inadequate support from the district during this chaotic transition.
The New Haven Federation of Teachers has since filed a grievance against the district, demanding better compensation for the rushed moving timeline. Former teacher Ahmed Maklad, who now teaches at Betsy Ross Arts Interdistrict Magnet School, noted a significant increase in class sizes, from a comfortable 10-15 students at Brennan-Rogers to up to 27 students in his current classroom.
“We were really bum-rushed into this,” Maklad said, describing the lack of proper orientation and support from the district. This shift has intensified the challenges teachers face in addressing diverse student needs.
District spokesperson Justin Harmon acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized the need to avoid layoffs by reassigning teachers, even as class sizes increased. The district’s strategy to reduce vacant positions and condense schools has stirred concern among educators about the future of teaching quality and student support.
The emotional toll of the closure extends beyond the classroom. Former teachers, including Barbara Averna, who transitioned smoothly to King/Robinson Interdistrict Magnet School, reminisced about the close-knit community they built at Brennan-Rogers. “It feels like a hit in the stomach,” said Paulette Bosley, who now teaches at Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet. The loss of familiar faces and community ties weighs heavily on their hearts.
As former staff now navigate new environments, the sense of loss persists. Teachers have maintained connections through group texts and are even planning a holiday reunion. Many continue to support their former students, with Bosley recounting moments where she intervened for a struggling second-grader from Brennan-Rogers, emphasizing the deep bonds formed during their time together.
The closure of Brennan-Rogers is not just an administrative decision; it has profound implications for the community, students, and teachers alike. With the school officially shuttered, the future remains uncertain as teachers and students adjust to new realities in the wake of this abrupt change.
For those following the developments of New Haven’s educational landscape, the impact of the Brennan-Rogers closure will resonate for years to come, reshaping the community’s fabric and the lives of all involved. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation evolves.
