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New London Today
By the People, for the People
New London School Board Tackles Budget Crisis
Declining enrollment and lack of state funding force difficult decisions to close an elementary school.
Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:01am
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Faced with budget constraints and declining enrollment, the New London school board makes the difficult decision to close an elementary school, underscoring the challenges facing public education.New London TodayThe New London Board of Education is facing a budget crisis, with decades of underfunding from the federal government and state, as well as declining student enrollment due to falling birth rates. The board has decided to close one of its elementary schools in order to focus resources on its successful magnet school programs and explore adding new STEM offerings like cybersecurity and AI classes.
Why it matters
New London is the state's first and only all-magnet school district, providing students with unique educational pathways. However, the district's budget has been squeezed by unfunded federal mandates and stagnant state funding, forcing difficult decisions like school closures that impact the community.
The details
Over the last six years, the district has reduced central office positions by 14 and eliminated funding for 54 positions, while maintaining all teaching positions. With little left to cut, the board has decided to close one of its elementary schools due to declining enrollment and a lack of family-friendly housing in the city. The board is gathering data on building operations, utilities, and classroom space to determine which school to close at a special meeting on Monday.
- In the last six years, the district has reduced central office positions by 14.
- Last year, the district eliminated funding for 54 positions throughout the district.
- The board will deliberate and decide on which elementary school to close at a special meeting on Monday.
The players
New London Board of Education
The governing body of the New London school district, which is the state's first and only all-magnet school district.
Elaine Maynard-Adams
The president of the New London Board of Education.
What they’re saying
“Closing a school is not an easy decision to make, but lack of financial support coupled with declining enrollments and declining birth rates make this necessary.”
— Elaine Maynard-Adams, President, New London Board of Education
What’s next
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The takeaway
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