Here's How Milford Schools Will Spend Nearly $5 Million In Funds

MILFORD, CT — At the August Board of Education meeting, school officials provided updates on several key topics.

Here is a recap:

Naming of the Tennis Courts at Foran High School in Memory of Richard A. Herman

Superintendent of Schools Anna Cutaia told the Board a request has been made to name the Foran Tennis Courts in memory of Richard A. Herman.

James L. Richetelli said that Herman spent 30+ years dedicated to education in Milford. He started in Milford as a history teacher and eventually served as associate superintendent overseeing both Milford High and Jonathan Law. He was instrumental in the development of Joseph A. Foran High School as being the lead administrator assigned to the project. The courts shall be named “The Richard A. Herman Memorial Tennis Courts."

American Rescue Program

Cutaia provided an update on the details of the district’s application for ARP funds. There
are specific requirements for use of the funds including that at least 20% of the funds must be
used to address academic supports.

She then provided a breakdown of the $4,902,817 funds Milford will receive. In summary, $1,924,000 will be used for learning acceleration and academics, $55,000 for Family and Community Engagement, $168,000 will be used for Social Emotional and Mental Health Services, $843,600 will be used for technology and, $1,911,417 will be used for Building Safety and Health.

Richetelli provided details of the upgrades that will be done to the school building air
filtration systems. This, combined with the suite of mitigation strategies, will help keep everyone
safe.

Preliminary Enrollment Report

Cutaia reported enrollment numbers have increased by 63 over the projected, and 18 over last year. She gave a breakdown of the enrollment increases and decreases by grade level. Administration will continue to monitor the enrollment numbers. Cutaia told the Board the enrollment projections as received from a third party, demographer. The enrollment numbers are used for budgeting for the upcoming year.

Foodservice Financial Report

Eileen Faustich reported on the 2020-21 year end foodservice financials. During the 2020-21
school year, meals were provided to students at no cost. Breakfast meals increased 244% and
lunch meals increased 19.7%.

The department will continue to provide meals to MPS students at no cost. With school in session, curbside offerings will cease. The department will end with a $88,110 balance, mainly due to the USDA waivers, which included “no cost meals for all students”.

Human Resources Report

Wendy Kopazna presented the Human Resources Report for July. Included in the report were the
personnel changes as well as stipend appointments. There were 24 or 25 retirements at year end,
slightly more than expected. Ms. Doyle asked if the salary could be increased for lunch aides. Mrs. Kopazna explained the district is trying to stay ahead of minimum wage and did increase the hourly wage in the spring. They will continue to look at that.