Milford Residents Voice Support For School Budget

MILFORD, CT — Milford residents voiced support for the proposed school budget at a recent hearing, especially when it came to keeping school counselor levels consistent.

The Board of Education request a $102 million budget, which is a 2.3 percent increase from the current year. The cost increases were driven by salary, benefits, transportation and utilities. School officials also included four school counselor position in the budget to spread out costs when federal funding runs out.

The budget got the blessing of the Board of Finance in March. The city mill rate would drop 0.47 mills if approved as-is, though many residents could see an increase in tax bills due to the 2021 property revaluation. The Board of Aldermen will vote on the budget in the near future after a series of budget hearings.

Residents spoke in favor of keeping the school budget untouched and for adding school counselors.

“The Milford Board of Education was correct in addressing the need for school counselors in this budget,” resident Michael Brown said. “Kids need a lot of support in academic and emotional recovery areas after dealing with COVID these past two years."

Physical, emotional and mental health should be given the same attention as read, writing, math and science in schools, resident Tessa Marquis said.

“In the midst of pandemics active shooter drills, food and housing insecurity and frightening daily news about wars, environmental collapse and violence, we need more assistance than ever for children's mental and physical health initiatives,” she said.