UPDATE: The abrupt closure of Brennan-Rogers Magnet School in New Haven has left former teachers grappling with significant challenges as they transition to new roles. The school closed its doors on July 1, 2025, due to a projected $16.5 million budget deficit, impacting not only educators but also students and families.
Just before the closure, teachers like Molly Seely, who served as the school librarian, faced an emotional goodbye on what was meant to be graduation day for her eighth graders. Instead of sending her students off with warm wishes, she was called into a last-minute meeting where Superintendent Madeline Negrón informed staff of the school’s impending closure. Seely recalls, “It’s never a good sign when administration from downtown starts filing in.”
The sudden announcement caught educators off-guard, as rumors of the closure had circulated due to the school’s low enrollment of just 132 students. The New Haven Board of Education approved the closure as part of budget mitigation efforts, and former staff members are now reflecting on their challenging transitions.
“Transitioning was very traumatizing,” said Latrice Peterson, a former special education resource teacher. “It played a great deal on mine and a lot of my colleagues’ mental health.” Teachers were given only two weeks to pack their belongings, and many received minimal support from the district during the process.
While the school district claimed to provide assistance, Seely noted that the three hours of pay allocated for packing was insufficient. Many teachers, including Ahmed Maklad, who now teaches at Betsy Ross Arts Interdistrict Magnet School, found themselves unprepared for their new roles. Maklad, now responsible for teaching 97 eighth graders, expressed frustration at the lack of support and orientation, stating, “We were really bum-rushed into this.”
The New Haven Federation of Teachers filed a grievance over the inadequate transition process, advocating for better support for displaced educators. Union President Leslie Blatteau confirmed that they are working to resolve the issue but did not provide further details.
The emotional fallout extends beyond teachers. Former staff like Paulette Bosley are worried about the impact on students. “Students are constantly being left behind to deal with the next teacher,” Maklad lamented, emphasizing the detrimental effects on student mental health.
In contrast, Barbara Averna, a veteran kindergarten teacher, reported a smoother transition to her new position but misses the community she built at Brennan-Rogers. She reminisced about past connections with families and students, highlighting the deep bonds formed in the small school environment.
As former staff members navigate their new realities, they maintain connections through group texts and plan reunions, underscoring the lasting impact of their shared experiences. Bosley recalled a recent encounter with a struggling former student, illustrating the ongoing support they provide to each other even after the school’s closure.
The implications of this sudden closure resonate deeply within the New Haven community, raising questions about the future of education in the area. As former teachers adapt to their new roles, the emotional scars of the abrupt transition remain vivid.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the community seeks to rebuild and support those affected by the closure of Brennan-Rogers Magnet School.
