Parents fight closing of West Haven schools

Expressing outrage over the closing of two schools in the West Haven (CT) school district, parents and education advocates are holding a press conference today at 6 pm.

Calling it a paradox, Gwen Samuel, co-founder and chairwoman of the State of Black CT Alliance, says Molloy Elementary has maintained a high level of success for all students, including high rates of success for economically disadvantaged students, Black and Latino students, English Language Learners (ELL), and students with disabilities. "When states close high performing schools and get rid of effective teachers, we have a serious problem that needs immediate address by the US Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan. It could be your state, your child, your effective teacher next!" said Samuel who is also Connecticut's Mom Congress delegate.

It all started with a vote taken on May 18 when the West Haven Board of Education voted in favor of closing Molloy Elementary and Thompson School. According to reports, the Board of Education was only given a $1 million increase for the 2010-11 fiscal year, far short of the $7 million they were seeking. 

The next day, parents at Molloy held a meeting to fight against the closure. More than 50 parents signed a complaint with the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. On May 24, the group hopes the public meeting will sway elected officials to not close the schools.

"Now is the time to stand with West Haven parents and students and demand that every Connecticut child have access to high-performing schools like Molloy Elementary School", said Samuel.