The Milton School Committee faces a leadership crossroad following the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education’s decision to deny a waiver request that would have extended Superintendent John Falen’s term through the 2026-27 school year. Chair Amanda Serio shared the update during Wednesday’s meeting, noting that while the Commissioner recognized the district’s unique challenges, the state is upholding a policy requiring applications to be filed in the spring of the relevant year. Serio indicated that the committee is not giving up, stating, Our alternative is to explore pathways outside the waiver process. We will work with Joe Emerson and John to see if we can reach an agreement. The committee plans to move into executive session on November 5th to further discuss leadership strategy.

The news comes as the district pivots toward long-term financial planning for the FY27 budget. Member Mark Loring, reporting from the Finance Subcommittee, emphasized a shift away from year-to-year reactionary spending toward a sustainable three-year plan. We are building a philosophy for the budget rooted in district priorities, Loring said, noting the importance of being good stewards of the tax dollars provided by the recent override. Superintendent Falen echoed this sentiment, explaining that the FY27 goals include funding learning gaps and ensuring that volatile lines—such as transportation and out-of-district tuition—remain healthy to avoid future deficits. The committee is specifically focused on rebuilding the Special Education Circuit Breaker reserve, which has previously dipped to critical levels, aiming for a multi-million dollar shock absorber over the next few years.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Katie Blake presented the first-quarter budget report for the current fiscal year, noting that the district is in a stronger position than it was on July 1st. The Q1 report will be posted to the website, Blake said, adding that it includes a glossary of terms to help residents navigate expenditure categories. Member Nathan David Hutto emphasized the need for community expertise in these fiscal matters, leading the committee in a vote to appoint a new resident representative to the Budget Coordination Committee. Motion Made by N. Hutto to appoint Robert A. Milt to the Budget Coordination Committee. Motion Passed 6-0.

A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to an overhaul of the K-5 literacy curriculum. Early Literacy Director Cat DeRusso presented a timeline for implementing new materials by the 2025-26 school year, grounded in the science of reading. DeRusso explained that the committee is focusing on the why of pedagogy before selecting specific books or software. Most districts will tell you writing is the hardest, DeRusso told the board, noting that the new curriculum must integrate writing with subjects like science to maximize instructional minutes. Member Bao Qiu praised the approach, saying, I love your approach starting with the 'why'. It is great for teachers to have access to multiple curriculums and pull meaningful material. Member Hutto urged the district to consider the quality of the business partnership with publishers in their evaluation rubric, while also asking how the materials would account for the unique flavor of Milton, such as its early world language programs. DeRusso clarified that the district needs to find a publisher that fits Milton’s specific local parameters and schedule demands.

The meeting also saw a spirited debate regarding the rigor of high school graduation requirements. While the committee reviewed updates to Policy IKF, Member Loring expressed frustration that the board was simply codifying existing practices rather than raising standards. The frustration I'm expressing is that when things come to us, they are already 'cooked', Loring said. I want to get involved in the kitchen. I don't think passing a policy that just stamps what we've been doing for five years accomplishes the goal of raising the rigor bar. In response, Superintendent Falen suggested creating a new committee in November to explore initiatives like a two-year world language minimum. Despite the debate over future changes, the committee moved forward with several policy updates. Motion Made by A. Varghese to approve Policy JF regarding Middle School Pathway Exploration. Motion Passed 6-0. The board also finalized administrative updates to graduation rules. Motion Made by A. Varghese to approve the second reading of Policy IKF (Graduation Requirements). Motion Passed 6-0. Additionally, the committee updated standards for student achievement. Motion Made by A. Varghese to approve the second reading of Policy IKFE (Competency Determination). Motion Passed 6-0.

In other business, the committee welcomed its newest and perhaps most ambitious student representative, Milton High freshman Spencer Futrell. Futrell, a member of the freshman football team and student government, shared his motivation for joining the board after a narrow loss in a class president race. I picked school committee because I want to help make a change in the community as much as possible, Futrell said, and I eventually want to be President of the United States of America. Superintendent Falen praised the student for taking a big leap into town governance at a young age.

The committee concluded with a review of facilities and upcoming travel. Member Annamma Varghese reported that renovations at the Cunningham and Collicot schools are progressing, with the third-floor library conversion now complete. However, she noted that the district’s $3.1 million capital request faces significant headwinds, as the town typically funds only about $1 million annually. Despite the tight capital outlook, the board moved to ensure middle schoolers maintain their tradition of educational travel. Motion Made by M. Loring to approve Pierce Middle School field trips to New York, Quebec City, and Washington D.C. for May 2026. Motion Passed 6-0. Regarding upcoming labor relations, Member Elizabeth Carroll noted that the Negotiations Subcommittee is preparing for a November 4th meeting with the Milton Educators Association (MEA) to establish ground rules for contract talks. Our subcommittee met October 16th and will meet again October 28th, Carroll said, We are formulating proposals.