Milton school officials revealed a significantly narrowed but still daunting fiscal challenge during Wednesday’s School Committee meeting, as the projected FY27 budget gap dropped from $2.1 million to $1 million. Improved revenue forecasts from local excise taxes and a $500,000 "free cash" offer from the town to bolster school reserves have eased the immediate pressure, yet Superintendent John Phelan warned that reaching the final target will require a creative realignment of resources. Phelan noted that administrators are currently developing a parallel list of potential reductions and organizational shifts, including the possibility of leaving a technology director position vacant, to meet the $1 million target. He emphasized that affected staff are being notified privately before specific cuts are debated in public session later this month.

The looming cuts drew pointed feedback from community members during public comment. Beverly Ross Denny urged the committee not to let past fiscal trauma dictate current decisions, arguing against proactively laying off staff to build a reserve. I don't believe it's necessary to lay off people in order to prove a point that is we'll just have money in a reserve to save the day, Denny said. Parent Louisa Penny Lines echoed these concerns, stating that her primary goal as a taxpayer is to prevent cuts as much as possible to maintain district stability. In response to the fiscal climate, Member Nathan David Hutto inquired about the strategic use of town funds, noting that there remains discussion of various options for where to put that 500,000 towards reserves.

Motion Made by M. Loring to approve the FY26 second quarter report and financial transfers. Motion Passed (6-0-0)

Beyond the budget, the committee established the timeline for the next academic year. Motion Made by M. Loring to approve the Milton Public Schools 2026-2027 school year calendar. Motion Passed (6-0-0). The approved schedule starts students on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and sets the last day of school for June 15, assuming no snow days. The calendar also formally recognizes Lunar New Year and Eid as holidays. Member Annamma Varghese praised the schedule, stating, I love all the thoughtful changes that were made, including limiting the number of half days. Member Elizabeth Carroll sought clarification on the holiday policy, and Phelan confirmed that anybody who is observing a religious holiday has the right to be out from school with accommodations made for academic work.

High school academics are also slated for a refresh following a presentation on the 2026-2027 Program of Studies. Member Bao Qiu highlighted several equity-focused shifts, including the unleveling of introductory Spanish and Latin courses. For Spanish one and two, Latin one and two, we are unleveling these two classes... to promote equity access of stronger learning, Qiu said. Principal Karen Cahill explained that the district is also introducing a student-driven unified drama course and AP Ambassador sessions to help students navigate higher-level course loads. Addressing math access, Member Mark Loring cautioned that current pathways could create barriers to high-level math by senior year, noting that if you start algebra 1 in freshman year... you're not getting to AP... that creates equity access issues.

Operational updates showed a district grappling with high demand and staffing shortages. Community Schools Director Martha Bakken reported that enrollment has surged to 746 students, though waitlists persist at Collicot, Cunningham, and Glover schools. Staffing is one of our biggest challenges, Bakken said, noting that the program lost 12 staff members to full-time district positions since early 2025. In special education, Student Services Director Danielle Webb reported progress in vertical alignment and a decrease in out-of-district placements, which have dropped from 65 to 49 students. Webb credited the Special Programs IEP platform for streamlining communication with families.

The meeting also featured the introduction of Student Representative Angela Tro, who shared that my favorite thing about Milton High School is community, and a report from the Milton Foundation for Education. Member Qiu announced that the foundation approved over $50,000 in teacher grants this cycle, covering items from specialized reading books to classroom supplies. Motion Made by M. Loring to approve the minutes of January 21st, 2026. Motion Passed (6-0-0).