Proposed high school would bring tax increases

To address overcrowding, the Milford School District is proposing to a new high school to be built within three years.

Sara Croce is the district’s Chief Financial Officer. She explains of the six schools, five of them have already reached overcapacity. Milford High School currently houses 1,064 students in a structure built for 977.

If built, the new school would house grades 9 through 12, with a capacity of 1,400 students.

“The property that we’ve looked at is the Simpson crossing property. It’s right across Redner’s on Route 113. It’s about 190-plus acre property that would allow us to build the facility have room for future growth.” Says Croce.

The estimated price-tag of a new school is just over 69-million dollars. Tax-payers in the school district would reportedly foot about 30% of the bill. Croce says each household would pay about 19 dollars more in monthly property taxes to balance the state deficit.

“We’ve reached a point where we can no longer support that deficit. We have to ask for help to sustain operations. We’ve made budget cuts and you know, we really don’t have another option at this point.” Explains Croce.

Some residents would be able to apply for a property tax credit, but only if they’re older than 65. Croce admits the proposal could pinch the pocketbook of anyone younger than that, but she says it’s an investment for the future of Milford schools and students.

“We’re hoping, like I said, that over time…our tax base will grow. More families will come to milford because the schools are bringing, you know, schools and businesses are attracting those families, and that will lessen that burden on those people.” Says Croce.

Residents will be able to be to vote on the referendum on May 5th.

For more information, please visit here.