Milton families will see a 10% increase in summer program fees next year as the School Committee grapples with a modest town revenue forecast for fiscal year 2027. Finance Subcommittee Chair Mark Loring reported that the town administrator’s early projections are more conservative than expected, creating immediate pressure on school planning. Regarding the FY27 budget, the town administrator provided revenue forecasts that are more modest, which has implications for us, Loring said, adding that a full second-round budget isn't expected until early January.

To protect the district’s self-sustaining Community Schools programs, the committee authorized the fee hike to replenish reserves depleted by the expansion of Camp Tucker and rising salary costs. Assistant Superintendent Katie Blake noted that salary rates increased significantly and we hired more staff, explaining that the program had been drawing from reserves more than desired. Acting Chair Elizabeth Carroll suggested a more gradual approach in the future to avoid sticker shock for parents, noting that big fee increases can sometimes drive down enrollment. Motion Made by M. Loring to approve the increase in fees to the community school summer program. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Beyond the fee hike, the committee moved to realign approximately $37,600 in the current FY26 budget to address immediate staffing priorities. This includes expanding Assistant Superintendent Carla Cocosa’s role to five days a week and funding a lead teacher for Fine and Performing Arts. Superintendent John Phelan described Cocosa’s position as the workhorse of teaching and learning, making the full-time status essential. Phelan noted that the district saved funds in August by leaving certain positions unfilled to allow for this flexibility. Motion Made by M. Loring for the school committee to support the direction of the school department and realigning the budget to address the priorities as discussed here tonight. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Leadership stability was a central theme as the committee formally announced the extension of Interim Superintendent John Phelan’s contract through June 30, 2027. Carroll noted that a full search for a permanent successor will not launch until Fall 2026. This extension coincides with a new effort to assign committee members as liaisons to individual school PTOs. Member Bao Qiu suggested that the burden should be shared, noting it might be better if parent volunteers who are PTO members attend those district meetings so the burden doesn't always fall on the six of us. Member Nathan David Hutto added that serving as a liaison to a school where one doesn't have children could be informative as we launch the superintendent search next year.

Student representatives Elias Caros and Adam Cheers briefed the committee on a pending state bill that could mandate stricter cell phone policies. Caros told the committee that student leaders are researching solutions other districts have implemented and are looking forward to student, staff, and parent feedback. Caros also highlighted recent holiday concerts, noting it was a great reminder of the community the arts create in our district. Hutto urged the district to frame the conversation around how to implement a ban fairly, rather than whether to have one, as the hand for Milton might be forced by the legislature. Cheers emphasized that as elected representatives, we hope to prioritize the student perspective while celebrating the school's 31-0 Thanksgiving victory over Braintree with a final Go Milton Wildcats.

Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, the committee reviewed a draft calendar that formally includes Lunar New Year and Eid as days off for the first time. Member Bao Qiu clarified that since Lunar New Year falls on a Saturday in 2027, the day off should likely be the preceding Friday for the Eve celebration. Lunar New Year is usually celebrated on the Eve. The New Year's Day involves worshipping ancestors, Qiu explained. Superintendent Phelan warned that a late Labor Day means the school year could stretch as late as June 30 if snow days are used. We haven't gone that late in a long time, Phelan remarked. Meanwhile, Carroll reported on town-wide capital planning, noting that the fluid FY27 outlook means many school and town facilities needs will likely be deferred again.

On the policy and facilities fronts, Member Annamma Varghese introduced the final reading of the district's wellness policy, noting that the Policy [subcommittee] did not meet in December due to scheduling, but the draft was ready for final adoption with minor wording changes. Motion Made by A. Varghese to approve the second reading of policy IHAMD, the wellness policy. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Varghese also noted that the Facilities Advisory Committee is working hand-in-hand with schools on the Tucker playground project and ongoing construction at Cunningham. Finally, the committee formally closed out the previous year's business. Motion Made by E. Carroll to approve the 2024-2025 annual report. Motion Passed (5-0-0).