Residents Give Feedback About New High School

Wilmington residents utilized the and answer session to express concerns and hopes about a potential new high school.

On Tuesday, school and town officials joined representatives from the design firm that has established

No decisions were made during the meeting, held at the current Wilmington High School auditorium, and no financial figures were discussed.

“We have a dinosaur and it’s time to change that,” said Town Manager Michael Caira. “I think that’s something that would put Wilmington in a positive light, which I think is important.”

If voters approve the school, the town would receive a minimum reimbursement of about 48 percent, with the possibility of raising that total over 50 percent.

If the last school vote is any indication, a high school election would be hotly contested. When Wilmington Middle School was approved, 4,000 residents came out to vote. The school passed by 108 tallies, according to Caira.

“If I’m thought of as anything, it’s frugal,” said Caira. “We have definitely established ourselves with an appropriate reserve. We have gotten the highest bond ratings, and that translates to real savings financially.”

The next public session is May 5 during the High School Building Committee meeting, when members are likely to decide which school design makes the most sense.

If town officials show the community would support a new school, there would be a vote at a special town meeting, then a special election in the fall.

“Whatever the decision is that the community makes, I will be proud to support it,” said Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton.