Thea Digiammerino

New Haven School Board Votes to Close 3 Schools

The New Haven Board of Education has voted to close Creed High School and two other schools to save the district millions of dollars.

The district faces a budget hole of tens of millions of dollars. It was an emotional night at Monday’s school board meeting as officials debated difficult decisions. The New Haven School Board voted to shutter Creed, along with two alternative schools: New Horizons and New Light.

Creed High School will close at the end of this school year, despite efforts from parents, teachers and students to save it.

“I feel sad, disappointed because I really wanted to graduate from Creed,” said Creed junior Karina Hernandez.

For district leaders, they couldn’t escape the reality of the budget and finding ways to make up a $20 million shortfall. They expect to save nearly $6 million through changes or cancellations of leased space and also, more impactful to the crowd, the shutdown of the three schools.

“No one signs up to be superintendent to close schools you know for kids and families. So it’s very difficult to hear the emotions of the students,” said New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Birks.

Now hundreds of students will have to figure out where they’re going to school next year.

“It’s just unfair that they made up their mind without getting to know the students or family members,” said Creed graduate Tania Hernandez.

The audience was filled with some of the 235 students who attend Creed. The magnet school is known for its focus on science.

“I want to go into the health science program, like I want to be a pediatric nurse,” explained Creed junior Kayla Yulo.

Over the next couple of weeks, families can meet with district staff and apply for other schools.

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