Milton High Principal proposes new community service requirements to reduce hours

The Milton School Committee meeting on February 26, 2025, focused on significant updates to the Milton High School (MHS) program of studies, particularly regarding community service requirements. Principal Karen Cahill presented a proposal to reduce the community service requirement from 140 hours over four years to 60 hours, with a new structure of 15 hours per year. This change aims to better align with the current demands on students, who often juggle academics, athletics, and part-time jobs.

Cahill explained that the existing requirement was burdensome and not reflective of students' realities. She noted that many students were struggling to meet the high expectations, leading to instances of inflated reporting of service hours. The proposed adjustment seeks to encourage meaningful engagement rather than merely fulfilling a quota. The principal emphasized the importance of recognizing diverse forms of community involvement, including participation in school clubs and athletics, which could also count towards service hours.

The discussion also touched on the need for a more structured oversight of community service opportunities, which has diminished since the late 1990s when a full-time coordinator managed these activities. Currently, a part-time staff member assists with tracking hours, but the lack of dedicated oversight has made it challenging to ensure students are adequately supported in finding and completing service opportunities.

Committee members expressed support for the proposed changes, highlighting the importance of adapting requirements to better fit students' lives and encouraging civic engagement. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore how to integrate various forms of student involvement into the community service framework, ensuring that students are recognized for their contributions both within and outside the school environment.