Preston High School in the Bronx Faces Closure Amid Growing Protests and Outcry from Parents, Students, and Alumni Who Demand the Decision Be Reversed

In a shocking turn of events, the 75-year-old Preston High School in the Bronx announced its closure in a late-night email, leaving students and parents both devastated and outraged.

The school, a beloved institution in the community, will shut its doors at the end of the current school year due to a combination of declining enrollment, financial struggles, and outdated infrastructure.

The Board of Trustees cited these reasons in their message to families, stating that it was unrealistic to expect enrollment to rise to a level that would allow the school to thrive.

However, many members of the Preston community, including former staff and students, believe there is more to the story and have started to push back against the decision.

Confusion Over the Real Reason for the Closure

Gerilyn Harty, a former member of the school’s Board of Trustees, expressed disbelief, revealing to CBS that Preston’s finances were actually stable, and that enrollment was increasing.

She acknowledged that the building was old and in need of repairs but pointed out that it had been well-maintained by the administration for decades.

Preston High School’s principal, Jennifer Connolly, also criticized the decision, explaining that the closure wasn’t something the school leadership wanted.

In an email to families, she stated that the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, the owners of the school and the Board of Trustees, had made the final call, which she felt was against the school’s best interests.

Parents and Students Speak Out

Many parents, students, and alumni are furious, believing that the closure is not about financial necessity but about greed.

Maria Degliuomini, a parent, told ABC 7, “This wasn’t the school’s decision, it was out of their hands.”

One student, Cielo John, expressed her anger, saying, “This is silencing young women, young women of color in the Bronx. This is taking away opportunities from people who need it the most.”

On Thursday morning, a large group of supporters gathered in front of the school to protest the closure.

Many pointed to the greed of developers, accusing them of prioritizing profit over the education of young women.

Christine Monnelly, an alumna, expressed frustration with the direction of the neighborhood, saying, “All these developers want to build casinos and apartment buildings we don’t need in Throggs Neck.”

A Community United Against the Closure

The protestors, including parents, teachers, students, and alumni, chanted “Save our school!” and held signs calling on the Board of Trustees to reconsider the decision.

Some of the signs were directly aimed at key board members, including Sister Laura Donovan, Sister Carol Peterson, and Sister Susan Becker, with messages such as “Greed is not part of the holy curriculum” and “Sisters of NO Compassion.”

For many students, Preston High School has been more than just a place of education—it’s been a second home. “I’m very upset about this because Preston is more than just a school to me,” said student Jazmine Waller.

Local Leaders and Celebrities Join the Fight

Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato also attended the protest, showing her support for the students and families.

On Facebook, she shared, “These girls and families do not deserve this.

They deserve continuity, respect, and an open school!” The community’s support has been overwhelming, with over 6,500 people signing a petition to save the school, calling it “a sanctuary of faith, sisterhood, and empowerment for young women in the Bronx.”

Some students and alumni have even reached out to one of the school’s most famous alumni, Jennifer Lopez, hoping she’ll lend her support.

In a passionate TikTok video, one former student urged, “Somebody get Jenny on the phone! We need you to donate some money because if you want to rep the Bronx, rep your high school.”

Continued Protests and Determination

A second protest has already been planned for Sunday, but this time, the rally will take place in front of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion’s headquarters.

The students and alumni are determined to make their voices heard and fight for their school.

“It was such a shock to hear it so out of the blue,” said student Briana Cherubino, adding, “The way that it happened was heartbreaking and devastating.”

She, like many others, believes that Preston’s closure is not something the community should simply accept.

“We need to rally, we need to stick together as a family—the Preston family that we are—and everyone needs to stand up for Preston.”