The Milton School Committee received its first glimpse of the fiscal year 2027 budget on Wednesday, projecting a 5.2 percent increase to maintain current service levels. Finance Director Katie White presented the preliminary $76.6 million figure, identifying salaries as the primary engine behind the rising costs. White explained that 82% of the overall budget is tied to our salary expenses, which are forecasted to grow by 4.56 percent, alongside mounting pressures from special education tuition and transportation costs.

Superintendent John Phelan framed the budget request as part of a larger effort to secure the district’s long-term financial health following recent warnings about a structural revenue gap and a one-time funding cliff in town finances. Phelan noted that the district must focus on rebuilding its fiscal shock absorbers. We are also embedding in here the needed task of putting deposits into our revolving accounts in order to stabilize over a three-year period our future budgets, Phelan told the committee. Member Mark Loring, reporting for the finance subcommittee, noted that the group has already begun reviewing draft plans for these revolving accounts to ensure sustainability.

The meeting also centered on the deteriorating state of the Tucker School playground, which advocates say has become a safety hazard. PTO Co-Presidents Maura Golden Silva and Haley Byron, alongside past president Leslie McCarthy, unveiled an ambitious $621,000 plan to replace the 20-year-old structure. Silva described a facility in decline, noting outdated structures and ground surface of wood chips and asphalt where the existing rock wall, one of the few features the children enjoy, is broken and unsafe to use.

The project has already secured a $100,000 recommendation from the Community Preservation Committee for design costs and is pursuing a $100,000 state earmark. Member Mark Loring raised logistical concerns about existing right-of-ways, asking if the trash pickup be moved to the other side of the building to better separate vehicles from student play areas. Member Elizabeth Carroll praised the PTO’s initiative, stating, The ambition that you're bringing to it, the urgency, it really makes me proud to be part of the Tucker community.

Beyond the physical campus, Tucker leadership presented a three-year strategic response to recent MCAS data. Principal Celeste Hoey and Assistant Principal Caroline Morton outlined a plan to utilize grade-level facilitators and an elementary inclusion specialist to boost achievement. We are not looking for a quick fix, and it also takes time to build that capacity, Hoey said. Loring offered his support for the leadership’s data-driven approach, remarking that amateurs need praise, professionals crave feedback, and everybody deserves gratitude. Carroll added that she appreciated the theme of seeking the feedback from the educators as a two-way street for improvement.

The committee also moved to increase oversight of district academics by establishing a new Curriculum Review Advisory Committee. Motion Made by N. Hutto to approve the updated 2025-2026 list of subcommittees and advisory committees, adding the Curriculum Review Advisory Committee and appointing Annamma Varghese and Bao Qiu as members. Motion Passed (6-0-0). During the discussion, Member Bao Qiu advocated for broadening the committee's perspective, asking, Are we going to include student voice in this subcommittee? Superintendent Phelan expressed support for including student input in the curriculum review process.

Student Representative Elias Keros provided a glimpse into that student perspective during his report, noting that representatives are currently researching the impact of graduation requirements, specifically the two-year world language mandate. Keros also celebrated community engagement, noting that the high school's production of Frozen sold out all three nights. Phelan took the opportunity to credit the broader staff, thanking fall coaches, fall staff who do clubs, theater, arts, everybody who's working with our students after school.

The committee concluded the evening with a policy review focused on student well-being. Member Elizabeth Carroll introduced a first reading of the district’s Wellness Policy, which is updated every three years to meet federal requirements. Member Nathan David Hutto urged the committee to expand its definition of wellness in future revisions to address modern technology. I feel like the biggest threat to children's wellness is social media, excessive screen time, and synthetic AI relationships, Hutto said, suggesting these be integrated into the district's policy framework. Phelan confirmed the district is already exploring a draft policy specifically for Artificial Intelligence. Before moving to other business, the committee handled routine administrative tasks. Motion Made by E. Carroll to approve the minutes of the November 5th meeting. Motion Passed (6-0-0).