Board To Vote On Massive School Overhaul Proposal In Milford

MILFORD, CT — The Board of Education is expected to discuss and vote on the Long Range Facilities Master Plan at its meeting Monday.

The vote was originally scheduled for April 30 but was delayed.

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The draft plan calls for a future configuration of six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, down from the current eight elementary and three middle schools.

Under the proposal, Calf Pen Meadow and Meadowside elementary schools and Harborside Middle School would eventually close, while both high schools would remain open and be renovated.

Related: Milford Schools' Consolidation Plan Could Cost Over $1.4 Billion

The district's schools are 50 to 75 years old and will require a significant investment to meet students' needs, according to school officials. Current plans estimate total costs of $1.49 to $1.68 billion.

The district has considered various scenarios for how the renovation of school buildings will occur.

However, a coalition of Milford parents concerned for the future of the schools has been critical of the plan to remake the district's facilities, which could take up to 30 years.

The group pushed for a delay in voting on the proposal, stating that the options initially presented by consultant Perkins Eastman would "disproportionately disrupt" the lives of many students.

"The Board has not articulated how the district will manage student displacement, significantly longer commutes for students located in the northernmost part of town, traffic impacts associated with expanding some schools, and many more concerns," the group said in a statement.

The group said that beginning renovations at the elementary schools, then working up to the middle and high schools, "virtually guarantees that Milford students ages 6 and under will be disrupted and/or displaced multiple times throughout the lifespan of their Milford education, forced to shuttle between proposed 'swing spaces' and learn in trailer classrooms." Young students at Calf Pen and Meadowside elementary schools in particular "are guaranteed to be displaced in these scenarios – not just once, but multiple times."

The group has suggested alternative proposals with the intention of less disruption of students. This includes a "middle schools first" proposal which would allow for the district to close existing elementary schools and build new middle schools on those sites.

Perkins Eastman introduced a new middle schools first scenario at the board's meeting April 27, according to the group.

The district said in a statement: "We are grateful for our community participation throughout the entire process, including at more recent public engagement sessions. Your feedback, questions, and insights have been invaluable. It is clear that our community is deeply invested in the future of our district, and we want you to know that all feedback has been heard and is being taken into consideration."

The Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the Parsons Veterans' Memorial Auditorium.