Milton’s fiscal year 2027 school budget secured overwhelming support at Town Meeting this month, a victory the School Committee followed Wednesday by detailing plans to repurpose the recently shuttered Labberet College campus. Superintendent John Phelan presented a vision for the 4.7-acre Adams Street property, identifying a district-wide Pre-K and Kindergarten center as the most viable solution to chronic overcrowding at elementary schools like Tucker and Cunningham. The site features a mansion that could house administrative offices and a secondary building with space for 12 classrooms.

Superintendent Phelan outlined six potential scenarios for the property, ranging from a new K-5 elementary school to a single-grade academy. However, he noted that an early childhood center would best resolve the district's space crisis while improving educational transitions. Phelan explained that moving youngest learners to a central hub eliminates the ‘French lottery’ stress where parents feel they have to leave a school for a program after just one year. This model would allow Tucker to potentially transition to a four-strand school for grades 1-5, though officials acknowledged it would necessitate district-wide redistricting.

Member Elizabeth Carroll voiced strong support for the early childhood model, noting that Pre-K and K from a numbers standpoint allows you to put about 100 more kids in that building than other models. She added that the centralized approach would help students form district-wide bonds before splitting into elementary schools. Member Nathan David Hutto raised questions regarding transportation and logistics, noting that whichever group goes in there, we'll have to move lines a little bit. Member Mark Loring emphasized the importance of labor relations in the transition, stating, I would want to know before moving forward that the Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers have been consulted.

Prior to the facility discussion, the committee held a mandatory public hearing to decline participation in the inter-district school choice program for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Phelan recommended against participating, citing the high cost of education versus the $12,000 per-pupil state reimbursement. My recommendation would be not to take part solely based on space and overcrowding at our own elementary level, Phelan said. Following the hearing, Motion Made by M. Loring to not participate in the inter-district school choice program for the FY27 school year. Motion Passed (6-0).

Assistant Superintendent Kala provided a comprehensive report on the district’s 2025-2026 professional development, which focused on stabilizing the district through data usage and increased instructional rigor. Our primary goal was to stabilize the district and focus on the fundamentals, Kala said, outlining five key priorities aimed at lowering absenteeism and supporting underperforming students. Member Bao Qiu praised the data-driven approach, telling Kala, I want to start by commenting on how strategic you have been. Kala also revealed that next year’s calendar would include no half-days for students due to a one-year agreement with the teachers' union, meaning building-based professional work will shift to full days.

The committee also launched its search for a permanent superintendent, appointing a specialized search committee to lead the effort. Chair Amanda Serio appointed members Carroll, Hutto, and Stevie Codwell to the subcommittee, noting, I’m excited to have Lizzie, Nathan, and Stevie on that... It will be a lot of work. Member Annamma Varghese inquired about community access to the group, asking, Would these be posted at any point somewhere so that if people needed to reach out to committee members? Chair Serio confirmed that the assignments would be shared on the town website. Motion Made by A. Serio to accept the subcommittee and advisory committee assignments as presented. Motion Passed (6-0).

During the superintendent's report, student representative Olivia Wilson updated the board on the end-of-year rush at Milton High School. Wilson, a junior, noted that while seniors are preparing for graduation on June 7, the remaining students are navigating math MCAS and AP testing. There’s a lot more parking [when the seniors leave], so that’s fun, Wilson joked, but added that for juniors, there’s also that light at the end of the tunnel that is becoming more visible as the days go by.

In other business, the board held a brief executive session to discuss strategy regarding an open meeting law complaint and litigation. Upon returning to open session, Motion Made by A. Serio to approve and release the minutes from the executive session meeting on April 29, 2026. Motion Passed (6-0). The committee also formalized Nathan David Hutto’s role as the incoming finance chair, assigning him to oversee vendor warrants for the district.