Milford CTE director seeks voter approval for targeted CTE renovation

Sam Delcourt, CTE director at Milford High School and the Applied Technology Center, told the Economic Development Advisory Council on Jan. 14 that the district will place a CTE-only warrant article on the March 10 ballot to renovate and re-equip existing career and technical education spaces. “This year, we are moving forward with a warrant article, for the CTE renovation,” Delcourt said, noting the proposal focuses solely on CTE spaces rather than a full high‑school rebuild.

Delcourt summarized program outcomes and demand: students earn industry‑recognized credentials, complete work‑based learning hours and, last year, CTE seniors recorded 116 program completers and 141 certifications. She said out‑of‑district enrollment is at its highest level in years and that adding local programs such as electrical and powersports and expanding welding would allow Milford to retain more students instead of sending them to neighboring centers.

An architect/consultant working with the district described a phased renovation and re‑equipment plan that prioritizes flexible lab spaces and improved electrical infrastructure so donated equipment can be used. Staff said the project is roughly 74% state‑eligible under the CTE funding formula; the presentation cited about $11 million in state‑eligible costs and an estimated local bond of $3,850,000. Delcourt said the warrant requires a 60% yes vote to pass on March 10 and that state match timing may place the project in a one‑year holding pattern while the district seeks state biennium funding.

EDAC members asked about tax impacts and outreach. Delcourt said the business administrator will provide detailed tax‑impact numbers; during the meeting members cited sample figures presented elsewhere (an example figure discussed in the meeting was $17.80 per $100,000 assessed value in one estimate and roughly $71 for a $400,000 house, reported by a member). Delcourt described a public engagement plan that includes a website (milfordcterenovation.com), targeted mailings, social media, and a Feb. 16 “Save the Trades” event with industry panelists and tours of current CTE facilities.

Delcourt also warned the district still needs considerable equipment investment even if the warrant fails. “We still need over $3,000,000 in updated equipment,” she said, stressing that without upgrades programs risk becoming outdated for local employers.

The council offered to help with outreach and business engagement; Delcourt asked members and the chamber to circulate materials and suggested targeted mailings to businesses that partner with the CTE center.

The district plans to publicize tax‑impact details and to coordinate virtual and in‑person outreach in the weeks before the March 10 vote.