Milton School Committee approves Community Schools fee hike, delays FY27 budget vote to March 16

School Committee · Meeting of March 11, 2026

Milton School Committee approves Community Schools fee increases and advances FY27 budget toward a March 16 vote. The committee, meeting March 11, voted unanimously to raise Community Schools fees — with the per-child registration fee rising from $25 per family to $25 per child — as Finance Subcommittee member Mark warned the program's reserve account would otherwise fall to roughly $100,000 and a further increase is expected for FY28. Interim Superintendent John disclosed that federal Title I funding for the Tucker School, worth approximately $130,000, appears headed for full elimination, adding new pressure to a budget that already carries roughly $110,000 in uncommitted funds.

The committee also clashed with the Select Board over placement of a $500,000 town allocation, with School Business Administrator Katie arguing the money should seed the district's circuit breaker reserve — which currently holds approximately $8,000 against a recommended $2.7 million to $3 million balance — rather than a more restrictive joint special education stabilization account the board voted to fund the night before. On a positive note, K-8 Literacy Director Cat announced unanimous committee recommendation for the HMH Into Reading curriculum across all four elementary schools under a five-year contract priced below $100,000 annually.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 892 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of March 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.