An open letter to Woodbridge voters
Woodbridge residents believe in excellent public schools, responsible stewardship of our Town facilities, and respect for the taxpayers. These principles lead to one simple conclusion:
The $118.5 million plan to demolish and rebuild Beecher Road School is the wrong plan for Woodbridge at this time.
September 7, 2026
We are Woodbridge residents who believe in excellent public schools, responsible stewardship of our Town facilities, and respect for the taxpayers who support them. These principles lead us to one simple conclusion: The $118.5 million plan to demolish and rebuild Beecher Road School is the wrong plan for Woodbridge at this time — and we will vote NO on October 13.
Here’s why:
- The financial review is incomplete. Woodbridge faces other significant capital needs, including the Police Station, other Town buildings, and anticipated Amity projects. As of September 7, the Board of Finance has not even been presented with the Town’s long-term debt analysis. Before authorizing $118.5 million, we need to understand how Beecher fits into the bigger financial picture. A decision of this magnitude cannot responsibly be considered in isolation.
- The proposed debt is extraordinary. The Town’s own projections show annual debt service quadrupling in five years and reaching 11.47% of operating expenditures — above the 10% level the Town itself identified as a critical benchmark. The consequences will extend for decades and could threaten our AAA rating.
- Taxpayers will pay a high price over a prolonged period. Current estimates depend on substantial anticipated state reimbursement that cannot currently be assured. Until the Town completes its financial analysis and tests the assumptions behind these estimates, taxpayers cannot know what this project will actually cost each of us. For the proposed Beecher project alone — across the duration of the bonds — available data show an increase in taxes for the average taxpayer of approximately $18,332 and for the highest taxpayers over $50,000.
- We are being presented with a false choice. Beecher is not “falling apart.” The consultant’s report describes it as in “good condition.” We’ve invested millions in Beecher, including major renovations and recent roof work — debt taxpayers will continue to repay even if the school is demolished. We can continue to improve the school, address needs as they arise, and make responsible investments without overburdening taxpayers.
Voting NO does not mean doing nothing. It means demanding a better plan. Woodbridge deserves one. We must VOTE NO to get it.
— William Silberberg, M.D.
— Matthew T. Giglietti
Dr. Silberberg served as a member of the Amity Board of Education for eight years, and was instrumental in establishing the Town of Woodbridge’s Senior Tax Stabilization program.
Mr. Giglietti is the current Town Treasurer and was a member of the Woodbridge Board of Finance from July 1986 to December 2023, serving as Chairman for 35 years.
