Milford Middle School Transformed for Next Generation

The Milford School District officially dedicated the new Milford Middle School on Saturday, September 13, welcoming the community to tour the restored and expanded campus. Serving 5th and 6th graders, the school is designed to ease the transition from elementary to middle school while accommodating the district’s rapid growth.

Honoring History, Building for the Future

The school is located at the historic site of the original 1929 Milford Middle School, which had been closed and boarded up since 2013. The restoration preserved the original three-story DuPont building and added a new historical marker honoring the Milford 11 for their role in school integration.

“Previous leadership considered tearing the building down or moving the middle school elsewhere,” said Matt Bucher, vice president of the Milford School Board. “But the community overwhelmingly wanted to save the building. The DuPont portion had incredibly strong bones, with a look and style that couldn’t easily or cheaply be recreated. Preserving history gave us both cost savings and community buy-in.”

While the original structure was preserved, newer unsuitable additions were demolished. Construction was overseen by Richard Y. Johnson & Son, whose CEO and president are Milford alumni.

Key Features of the New Campus

• Modern Additions: Expanded wings, upgraded classrooms, safe walkways, and a new gym floor.
• Student-Centered Design: Classrooms and common spaces are tailored specifically for 5th and 6th grade developmental needs.

“There are developmental similarities in 5th-6th graders, and this structure supports that,” Bucher explained. “It merges all of our feeder schools into an environment meant for them, with teachers who understand this stage of learning.”

Community Support and Investment

The project, completed under budget at $60 million, was approved by voters in a 2021 referendum with more than a two-to-one margin.

“This says a lot about Milford’s values,” Bucher noted. “They value children. Most Milford students grow up to be Milford citizens, and it all starts with good, safe, modern schools with room to grow.”

Ongoing community input shaped the design and features of the school. Public meetings allowed residents to hear directly from administrators, the construction team, and architects.

An Enhanced Middle School Experience

The district hopes these updates will create a cohesive, future-ready learning environment while balancing enrollment across other elementary and early learning centers.

“This structure will have the room required for the next 15–20 years,” Bucher said. “It solves student population issues across the district—except at the high school, which is a matter for another day.”

A Win for Taxpayers

Notably, the district financed the project without increasing taxes. “Every year since debt service began, the property tax rate has actually gone down,” Bucher said. “We’ve been able to fully finance this project with no additional contributions from the community, thanks to strong financial management and organic growth.”

With its historic preservation, modern upgrades, and strong community backing, the new Milford Middle School serves as both a tribute to the past and a bold investment in the district’s future.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.