BRIDGEVILLE – Neighboring Woodbridge and Milford school districts are slated to state their case in November on a proposed land swap that would alter tax jurisdiction and iron out confusion along their Sussex County border.
The districts are tentatively slated to go before the Delaware State Board of Education Nov. 20, jointly seeking approval of an equitable swap involving approximately 2,200 acres of predominantly farmland, undeveloped land and state forest, Woodbridge Supervisor of Administrative Services Brian Bassett said.
The Woodbridge school board on Oct. 20 approved the mutual agreement, previously approved by Milford’s board of education.
With state board approval it will become effective, hopefully for next school year, said Woodbridge Superintendent Dr. Kevin Carson.
The proposal is geared to eliminate discrepancies and confusion that exist with current borders which cut through people’s property by adjusting boundary lines to roadways and natural waterways.
“We are tidying up the border lines to help everyone out; transportation people and realtors … so people have an idea of what they are buying,” Dr. Carson said.
The Woodbridge district contacted by letter or phone all property owners that would be impacted by the swap.
Only two Woodbridge students and several Milford students presently reside in areas included in the exchange. While school tax jurisdiction would change, both districts are offering right of choice and transportation so students may remain in their current district, if they wish, Mr. Bassett said.
There was no public opposition to the proposal at the Woodbridge hearing.
