Last Thursday, the Quakertown Community School District Board of Directors announced a special public meeting to discuss the fate of Milford Middle School. The meeting, scheduled for July 18, 2017, 7 p.m., at the District Services Center on Commerce Drive, will include a hearing to consider the school's closure.

            The possibility of closing Milford Middle School was first presented to the board in March by Superintendent William Harner as one of several measures to begin to close the district's $4.7 million structural deficit. During that meeting, Harner explained that the building itself is in need of significant and costly repairs and ongoing maintenance. Closing the school would save the district an estimated $1 million, according to Harner.

            While closing Milford Middle School was not factored into the district's 2017-2018 academic year budget, a 2.9% tax increase and several spending reductions are poised to make up at least $3 million. Any remaining funds needed to close the budget shortfall will be pulled from the district's fund balance.

            Since the announcement, numerous parents, students and educators have voiced concerns during public meetings over the potential impact of the school's closure, as well as the transitioning of students in grades six through eight to the current Strayer Middle School. An FAQ is available on the school district website under Milford Middle School that provides some guidance for concerned parents.

            A timeline for a final decision on the school's closing, also posted on the website, indicates that a letter of intent will be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by the end of July.

            In related news, the board approved renewal of the district insurance policy through Willis of Pennsylvania for 2017-2018. The policy, with a premium of approximately $280,000 covers property and liability district-wide. An additional insurance policy for athletics was also approved with a premium of approximately $50,000. All board members in attendance voted in favor of the policies. Director Austin Sedicum was not in attendance Thursday night.