September 26, 2006 > New Haven Unified School District school closures

by Rick LaPlante

New Haven's Board of Education voted Tuesday, September 19, in favor of the superintendent's recommendation to close Cabello Elementary next fall and Barnard-White Middle the following year. The goal is to provide the financial resources needed to improve student achievement while also addressing the financial realities of declining enrollment.

Responding to concerns expressed by the community in more than 20 public forums during the past six months, the district will continue to monitor enrollment patterns, particularly in the middle schools, and will be prepared to explore other options if enrollment changes unexpectedly.

Transportation concerns will be foremost in consideration as the district begins the process of determining new attendance boundaries. District planners will be particularly sensitive to the needs of those for whom transportation costs might constitute a financial hardship.

Proposals for new boundaries will be presented in mid-October, following another round of forums to provide opportunities for public input. It is expected that the Board will vote on the proposed boundaries in November.