Referendum may provide tax dollars for a new Milford High School
While some see the need for a new Milford High School.
“A new high school is really needed.” Said Tom Chilton, a Milford School District parent.
Others do not.
That’s because taxpayers in the school district would have to pay for 30-percent of the $69-million cost.
On Thursday night district officials, parents, and concerned residents got together to talk about a May 5th referendum that will decide whether to greenlight the project.
Mayor Bryan Shupe, who feels a new high school would make a significant impact on the lives of the Milford youth, supports the referendum in full.
Mayor Shupe said “The referendum is about the city of Milford and the school district coming together and fulfilling a need for our next generation. As our students continue to grow, our students need to compete on a statewide level, at a country level, and at a global level.”
If passed the referendum would call for property tax hikes starting in fiscal year 2016.
Buccaneer tomorrow, is a group of officials and parents who support the plan.
They say on a home worth $150,000, taxes would increase by just over $7 a month.
In year two, it would nearly double to $14.68.
And in year three would reach a maximum of about $19.
Sara Croce, the CFO of the school district commented on the purpose the taxes would serve, she said “That will bring in three million dollars over those three years, so that’s a million in each year and then after that it will decline after the bond sale drops off.”
It would be a sacrifice for taxpayers, but one it appears many would be willing to make.
“I think it’s a good investment, so I think when your willing to put your money behind something that’s worthwhile then, you know there’s concerns about paying more, sure, but I think it’s a real critical point at investing in our community. I think the money we would put towards this is very worthwhile.” Said Lisa Peel, a parent within the Milford School District.
If the plan goes through it would have effects on other Milford Public schools as well.
They would not be demolished, they would be repurposed, so every student in the district would have space to learn.
Buccaneer Tomorrow says that if the new school gets built, the other schools in the districts would have new definitions as to which grades they serve.
The new Milford High School would be for grades 9-12.
Grades 7 and 8 would go to the current high school while grades 5 and 6 would move to the Milford Central Academy.
Officials tell 47 ABC that this would alleviate 100 to 120 students who are currently overcrowding the schools they are in.
