YIR: Top Government & Education Stories

City Opt Out Opens Property to Milford Business

Milford will not purchase the Beaverbrook property, a tract of land along I-95, although it will retain a recreation easement for most of the property.

The Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Monday to follow Mayor Ben Blake’s recommendation and pass on the purchase. The city had the right of first refusal before the Kingdom Life Church completes a sale of the property to a developer.

Milford Schools Smoking Ban Aimed at Adults

Milford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Feser presented a proposal prepared by Chief Operations Officer Jim Richetelli which suggests revisions to the school's current ban on smoking.

Dr. Feser noted that Milford Schools' present policy only prohibits smoking "while school is in session."

"We want to create complete smoke-free environments," said Dr. Feser.

Proposed Education Reform Draws Crowd to Milford City Hall

Following an overview of SB24 by state Rep. Paul Davis, the crowd of about 75 had the opportunity to share their concerns and get answers. For the most part, the conversation -- initiated by a mix of teachers, parents and education advocates in attendance at City Hall -- centered around three topics that Davis picked out as among the most controversial:

• Tenure
• Salary linkage to evaluation
• Certification

Aldermen Approve $12 Million for East Shore (VIDEO)

The Board of Aldermen Monday approved a $12 million bond authorization, although not without a partisan confrontation.

Republicans tried unsuccessfully to add $2 million to build four additional new classrooms, arguing that the amount of extra taxes would have been negligible.

More Milford High School students are taking AP courses than ever before. In 2011, AP Course enrollment was at 268. In 2012, the number moved up to 302 and for the 2012-2013, school year, the number is at 489.

Milford Schools Seek 1.9% More in New Budget

The proposed 2012-13 Milford school budget brings a total overhaul of the curriculum department and a 1.92 percent spending increase from the current budget. According to administrators, it’s the lowest percentage increase sought in a decade.