Milton school leaders took a definitive step toward resolving a long-standing fiscal standoff with the Select Board this week, introducing two new policies designed to safeguard the district’s special education funding. The proposed Special Education Stabilization Fund policy establishes a joint account that requires a dual vote from both boards for any withdrawal, while mandating a minimum funding floor of $100,000. Member Mark Loring, who chairs the Finance Subcommittee, explained that the policy also sets a funding ceiling of 2 percent of annual net school spending.

The move follows a procedural deadlock in March over the management of a $500,000 reserve. Under the new framework, the district would also formalize a Circuit Breaker Reserve Policy under its sole control, maintaining a target floor of 75 percent. Loring noted that if the balance drops below that threshold, the administration must present a restoration plan, adding that the primary source would be free cash derived from being under budget. During the discussion, member Bao Qiu questioned the management of these assets, asking, Who is overseeing the investment of this money? Loring clarified that the Town Treasurer maintains oversight of the funds.

The fiscal update comes as the committee prepares for its FY27 budget presentation at Town Meeting. While the district’s $75.6 million budget is now solidified, the committee spent significant time examining the data used to justify instructional spending. K-12 Math Director Brian Celic reported that while tools like i-Ready help track growth, they have limitations in identifying specific needs for older students. We are looking for a tool that drills into number sense and numeracy, Celic said, noting that some middle schoolers zone out during standardized diagnostics.

Member Annamma Varghese pushed for more clarity on how this data assists students moving from middle to high school, asking, How do these strategies help bridge that gap and the drop in expectations we see? In response, 9-12 ELA Department Head Cat Hardy noted that teachers are now conducting cross-visitations between 8th and 9th grade classrooms. We're trying to elevate expectations in eighth grade to mimic high school practices, Hardy said, citing a shift from excerpt-based reading to longer volumes to prepare students for the secondary workload. H. Young, the K-8 ELA Director, added that the district is focusing on district priority number two by using formative assessments to trigger immediate interventions rather than waiting for year-end results.

The meeting marked a poignant transition for the committee as Chair Amanda Serio presided over her final session before her departure. Superintendent John Phelan presented Serio with a gift, remarking, Your leadership has been so steady. We just want to acknowledge that you've earned it. Member Nathan David Hutto, reflecting on his first year on the board, told the outgoing chair, You make being the chair of the school committee look easy. I just really appreciate your service to the town and to the students of Milton. Serio expressed her gratitude for the experience, stating, I've loved working here. I've learned a lot and just have even greater appreciation for everything that the school administration and the school committee does.

In other district business, the committee welcomed ninth grader Taylor Scully as the new student representative. Scully, a member of the state championship-winning girls hockey team, updated the board on the conclusion of the third academic term and the upcoming financial literacy fair. The committee also noted that contract negotiations with the Milton Educators Association (MEA) have reached a milestone, with Member Nathan David Hutto reporting that the teams have fully exchanged proposals across three main sessions. Formal financial approvals included the signing of two vendor warrants totaling $914,147.59.