Does the Milford Public School System Have a Perception Issue?

By Brian McCready, Patch Editor

Does the Milford Public School system have a perception issue?

Some school officials think so. Everyone knows by now the school system is in the midst of pondering potentially major changes to the school system due to declining enrollment.

School officials agree that next year the district will return to a K-5 school system, and that Harborside Middle School will be closed within three to five years. This means some students that would have attended Harborside will be sent to either West Shore or East Shore middle schools.

Officials have not reached a consensus on whether to shutter an existing elementary school.

During a parent public hearing, several parents expressed anger and opposition to plans to close Harborside Middle School.

School Board Minority Leader John DeRosa said it’s no secret that a lot of the negativity about closing Harborside stems from the fact its perceived to be the city’s best middle school.

DeRosa said that perception has always existed.

Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Feser addressed the perception issue.

“It’s the quality of teacher and educational leaders that makes a school,” Feser passionately stated. “We have to deal with the perception that I don’t want my kids on the west side of town.”

Feser said undoubtedly officials wrestle with the east versus west versus center of town debate that has lingered in the community.

School Board Majority Leader Laura Fucci said the bottom line is everyone is committed to all students and to ensure they have the best education possible.

“The quality of education at West Shore and East Shore is great,” Fucci said.