MILFORD — Ahead of a capital referendum that, if passed, would mean the renovation and expansion of the former Milford Middle School, the Milford School District is hosting a series of informational meetings. 

The first is set for Monday at 5:30 p.m. on the outdoor track at Milford Middle School on Lakeview Avenue. 

Other meeting dates are: 

• 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Lions Room of the Milford Public Library.
• 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the auditorium of Milford High School (this meeting will be available via livestream through the district’s website and social media). 
• 10:30 a.m. Oct. 15 in the Lions Room of Milford Public Library.
• 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in the cafeteria of Evelyn I. Morris Early Childhood Center, Lincoln.
• 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in the auditorium of Milford High School (this meeting also will be available via livestream) .

Any community, neighborhood or church group or other organization that would like an individual presentation may contact the school district at referendum@msd.k12.de.us or by calling 424-8830.

Voting for the referendum will take place 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 27. Voting locations are Benjamin Banneker Elementary, Lulu M. Ross Elementary, Milford High and Morris Early Childhood Center. 

Eligible voters must be residents of the district and U.S. citizens at least 18 years old. You do not need to be a registered voter to cast a vote in the referendum. 

If the referendum is approved and the former Milford Middle School, which was closed in 2013, reopens, the facility would serve all fifth and sixth graders in the district. 

Reopening the school also aims to provide “space and flexibility” for growth in the district, according to the MSD website. 

The estimated cost of the project is $57.3 million — the local share is about $14.89 million and, if approved, the district will leverage the state share of about $42.4 million.

If passed, the middle school project would impact the debt service component of Milford residents’ overall tax rate. With a current bond obligation expiring in 2023, taxpayers will see an initial decrease in their debt service taxes, even if the referendum is approved. 

The debt service tax rate will increase in years two and three of the project, if it is approved, and then decline again over the remaining 20-year bond schedule.