In the third night of a marathon Special Town Meeting session, members overwhelmingly approved Article 4, a comprehensive $114,754,000 school building project. The plan includes the construction of a new high school, the conversion of the existing high school into a middle school, a new elementary school at the Town Farm site, and extensive renovations at the Cunningham, Collicott, and Glover schools. The appropriation is contingent on a future Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion vote by Milton residents.

The debate was marked by a divide between those concerned about the fiscal impact on elderly residents and those citing the deteriorating state of current facilities. Elected Assessor K. Hefernon Connelly sought to ease tax concerns, noting that programs such as hardship exemptions and tax deferrals are available for residents over 65. However, resident C. Looney expressed the anxiety of many long-term taxpayers, stating, When the peak year comes in 2006, I will be in my golden years and am worried about what I can afford.

Proponents, including Moderator R. Ward and Member P. Neely, argued that the town could no longer delay. Ward warned that the current High School has been cited for fire hazards and that failing to act would be a vote to condemn this community to second-rate education. Despite concerns from members like M. Kelly, who argued that resources should be prioritized for textbooks and curriculum over buildings, the body reached the required two-thirds majority to move the project forward to the voters. The project aims to meet a critical June 1 deadline to secure a 61% reimbursement from the state.

Motion: To appropriate $114,754,000 for the construction of a new high school, conversion of the existing high school to a middle school, construction of a new elementary school at the Town Farm site, and various renovations/additions to the Cunningham, Collicott, and Glover schools; contingent on a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion vote.

Vote: Passed 204-42-0