[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6259883,"mediaKeyId","3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2","parentId",3137087,"title","Milton School Committee approves educator agreement, interim superintendent contract and interim leadership appointments","audioSeconds",176,"startMs",464000,"endMs",640000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2&start=464&end=640","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2/thumbnail_464000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6259883/Massachusetts/Milton-School-Committee-approves-educator-agreement-interim-superintendent-contract-and-interim-leadership-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259883-39688312a1249d9e634757f3dfac20c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924308&Signature=fUFc2rptKfuXZkoHtgE6jZqoyoaxU8zvJ~mpYJ~q0NDUO3T21Wq23XML7RltKTDM~tg-VF-1ussRUJC3CUdri-iqAI5QRJBKF9DIMorOk8U4MhxHEXlPmaJ7B6ImMuHOtaDJP0jcfEByfZfEI~xr4SLOo4Kh2UpMPwjee9Z~f4mOD3k64ocqNJayCD3gQu5CifyBBveh4mj8m2SfOWsZg3XRbUaiA-TqlF2fdXMIqGHMmrWFgSdNAlk54k6VrmdgEfk-R-vTLf-dLEiUC7AdCc2UcK8hwdImkIQVAD-sNw32zBdzBBju0g3oSRmDnXQ0I4CsYgJFardiJLCxCyBvrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Milton Public Schools, MA","date","2025-04-28T07:58:18.997Z","article","The Milton School Committee on April 23 voted to approve a one-year memorandum of agreement with the Milton Educators Association (MEA) Unit A, ratified a contract for incoming interim superintendent John Phelan, approved an addendum moving Superintendent Peter Burrows’ final Milton day to April 30, and appointed Regina Watts to serve as acting superintendent for May.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the MEA Unit A memorandum of agreement, a one-year deal that runs from Sept. 1, 2025 through Aug. 30, 2026. Chair Lizzie said, “I would like to make a motion to approve the memorandum of agreement with Milton Educators Association unit A.” The motion received a second and passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes.

Why it matters: the agreement sets educator terms for the coming school year ahead of a new round of negotiations, and the committee moved several personnel and transition items in the same meeting to ensure leadership coverage while the district completes required state approvals.

The committee then approved the contract for John Phelan to serve as interim superintendent effective June 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The committee’s action was recorded as contingent on a special waiver from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the second half of that term; the committee said it will apply for that waiver in November. Chair Lizzie formally moved the contract and members voted yes in a roll-call vote.

The committee also voted to amend the separation agreement for Dr. Peter Burrows, moving his final Milton employment date to April 30, 2025 (from an earlier June 30 date). Dr. Burrows addressed the committee and thanked members and staff: “I just wanna thank you all for for 2 very rewarding years.” The committee’s vote to accept the addendum passed by roll call.

To cover the gap between Burrows’ departure and Phelan’s start, the committee appointed Dr. Regina Watts as acting superintendent for the month of May. Watts, who has been serving as interim assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said she was “humbled and honored” to take on the role and intends to work collaboratively with the incoming interim to provide continuity. The appointment passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes.

Votes at a glance:
- Memorandum of Agreement, MEA Unit A (1-year, Sept. 1, 2025–Aug. 30, 2026): motion moved by Chair Lizzie; second recorded; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).
- Interim superintendent contract, John Phelan (effective 06/01/2025–06/30/2026), pending DESE special waiver for the second half of the term: motion moved by Chair Lizzie; second recorded; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).
- Addendum to separation agreement, Dr. Peter Burrows (new last day April 30, 2025): motion moved by Chair Lizzie; second recorded; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).
- Appointment, Dr. Regina Watts as acting superintendent (May 2025): motion moved by Chair Lizzie; second recorded; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

The committee thanked Dr. Burrows for his two years leading Milton Public Schools and several members offered tributes in open session. Members emphasized continuity for students and staff while the district completes the DESE waiver process and the incoming interim’s onboarding schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milton School Committee - April 23rd, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Milton School Committee on April 23 approved a one-year educator agreement and a transition package that includes approving John Phelan’s interim superintendent contract, moving Dr. Peter Burrows’ final day to April 30 and appointing Dr. Regina Watts as acting superintendent for May.","taxTitle","Milton Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",71056,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259869,"Facilities update: Cunningham renovation timeline, outdoor learning planning and building repairs",354,2282000,2636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2&start=2282&end=2636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2/thumbnail_2282000.jpg","/articles/6259869/Massachusetts/Facilities-update-Cunningham-renovation-timeline-outdoor-learning-planning-and-building-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259869-d1c95060b0f2d499f4c01b57791e9f4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924308&Signature=aSFlryef8Mjzfemcj4XwpUrS6Zl0~8L~CE~bJ8TKDQOPpJlSRl61AzGLbITWEtgVxb9Sy1E6lSgBTDDVPr5du-1oEYEfnG8DD3wsUc77CQj0pRbhc7EhfJrkvhARDUabW85T5NUs5siQthG4GyM0A2h3GpIHRChjNpqWYFfKJfLT2maHC6V8dbshRAeDD0Q0yAFI9k59zIq5jQm4~BaGirasO1m4UY4eLZriQ95SDQBiVFcJZNcqqJQJD8WgRfqzJ1~CTwQd8pN24Eqa-IIIr~gSrOFmnfFCHAvikIXpJNj5ib0xxStMBba3uwI-7cf76Qbr78owlCzJu5fFOAH3nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milton School Committee’s facilities subcommittee reported updates on building maintenance and capital projects at the April 23 meeting, including a renovation timeline for Cunningham’s third and fourth floors, plans for clearing and storing library materials during construction, and coordinated outdoor learning/open-space proposals.

Tom McCarthy, consolidated facilities director, said crews replaced two light poles outside Pierce Middle School and installed a new AC unit in the head-end room. Staff continue to investigate temperature-control issues in some Pierce classrooms and are reviewing appliance and utility usage to lower costs.

On the Cunningham Third and Fourth Floor project, the owner’s project manager provided a phase‑one calendar. Facilities and subcommittee members said they need quotes to remove and store shelving and library materials during construction and will seek cost estimates for that work. The committee discussed coordinating outdoor learning and open-space improvement efforts across schools, including tours and earlier applications to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). Subcommittee members emphasized creating an overall district vision for outdoor spaces rather than having each school develop isolated plans.

Why it matters: the updates cover ongoing maintenance affecting classroom conditions and coordinate longer-term capital work and outdoor-space grants that could affect instructional and community use of school grounds.

Next steps: the facilities team will collect quotes for removal/storage related to Cunningham renovation, continue troubleshooting temperature-control issues at Pierce, and continue coordinating with the CPC and school leads on outdoor learning proposals.","Facilities reported progress on Cunningham third/fourth-floor renovation planning, outdoor learning/open space coordination with the CPC, and maintenance work including replacement light poles and an AC unit at Pierce Middle School.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259874,"Policy subcommittee to propose French-immersion lottery changes after community feedback",363,2207000,2570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2&start=2207&end=2570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2/thumbnail_2207000.jpg","/articles/6259874/Massachusetts/Policy-subcommittee-to-propose-French-immersion-lottery-changes-after-community-feedback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259874-25f55213cb04b1a591102d233c9a6b11/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924308&Signature=c6IAlHU~iY-mJw0nwelAfkfEICc863dVSTmGd3Z6n7DZQ8V8-20TWXhB3Eu1vdRNwII2dgXlRP0s2uFgbmkEK9FwNmrBwvo0fuldjr~NwJnxn0lsyrdbEJpU62Vbs5PJcFBdWRNJM9cVhGVTHku6OThkQZushE9FJad2MqRjuQmRxoOGj2yFqCB6CxxWksLcJ-R4LivVEDzI-dzjMPuqhsONKk11leTVfS-Sk9Cj1u8TK3ikchkSlkD514Q~Wy6WtKoL1~PS-Si3eGFS0M0ZYBI7dPzROAVbwUS8z6y8hHJ6KnqhHGPLzndB~UPADok6fPLeNil6jZzCPQzK14OmgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milton School Committee’s policy subcommittee reviewed the district’s French immersion program and agreed to propose wording changes to the enrollment policy after hearing community feedback and a program overview from the director of world languages.

Subcommittee members discussed edits to policy JGA (program assignment) that would clarify eligibility and address whether students enrolled out of district in private pre‑K should be eligible for the French immersion lottery. The director of world languages joined the subcommittee to describe how French immersion has operated in Milton (starts in Grade 1 rather than kindergarten) and how DESE early-literacy screening requirements are applied.

Why it matters: demand for the program and waiting lists prompted parents to request clarification; the subcommittee said it will review a redline of the proposed policy language at its May meeting and that a full presentation on the program for the full committee could be helpful.

The subcommittee also discussed capacity limits and the possibility of adding a classroom if demand continues. The committee will bring revised language back to the full school committee after the subcommittee review.","The policy subcommittee discussed wording changes to the French immersion policy and agreed to bring redlined language to the May meeting; the director of world languages provided background on the program and the committee noted demand and waiting-list pressures.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6259878,"Milton projects $1.26 million FY25 deficit; possible state circuit-breaker funds could cut shortfall",209,2590000,2799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2&start=2590&end=2799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3137087-878173db9468254474775ad8428dd0e2/thumbnail_2590000.jpg","/articles/6259878/Massachusetts/Milton-projects-126-million-FY25-deficit-possible-state-circuit-breaker-funds-could-cut-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259878-54fe07e279a12eb31ee6b159968a9303/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924308&Signature=Y~tuPKz2orzJAhze4eNE5-HQgqH4Vt4W-rUINWAfpMq9yWWr9dWAJ1Y6WNu7dKawSwaFXOBZLymiIx~~XS41KSezVI-J4ZHH9UAiGf7KD2LNG~Z~87QF4wzIvEeDvXCTQ2sM68y-jskeKB2zrAYmCIE3MveL7qJq0DWMlL2bn4NmQY8-EFPGec5XKcNr5xai2KFnSzS2JOQ17Ea5BbtJw2Uupl75qQEvYzK49daCi6YCCpgK5XY3KNNZHS1EU6zwshiV9OVk-dkYgLu49LTzmpNX9DXD9OJSkE1qbupD0kY14B9jAnmCWVi0yzw~3poF4omTeaPy5Op5qjZw~9GHTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milton Public Schools presented its third-quarter financial update at the April 23 school committee meeting, reporting a projected deficit of $1,259,298 as of March 31, 2025. Finance staff said the projection does not include a possible distribution from the state fiscal 2025 supplemental budget for special education “circuit breaker” reimbursements; if that money is distributed for FY25 the district estimates roughly $488,000 could be applied to reduce the deficit to about $770,000.

Why it matters: the projection helps the committee assess near-term choices for cost savings and informs any FY26 override discussions. The district said it will continue monitoring revenue in revolving accounts (building use, Medicaid reimbursement, preschool tuition) and refine projections through April and May.

The committee also revisited a recent change in the district’s substitute coverage model (often described in discussion as “large group sub coverage” or grouping students during absences). Staff said the revised model was only implemented in the past few weeks and would be in effect for roughly six weeks before the school year ends; given that short remaining window, administrators told the committee any fiscal savings would be small. Katie (finance staff) said the previous projections in the March report reflected the model used for the first three quarters and that implementing the new substitute model earlier would have generated more savings, but operational and bargaining logistics delayed rollout.

Committee members expressed concern about potential impacts on classroom learning, internet capacity for group settings and comparisons to COVID-era practices. Staff said technology capacity (Wi‑Fi drops and auditorium capacity limits) constrains options where large numbers of students would work simultaneously and that wherever grouping is used it should preserve meaningful instruction. After discussion, committee members indicated they do not plan a broad rollback to the large-group coverage model for the final six weeks unless specific scenarios made it educationally appropriate.

Next steps: finance staff will continue monthly updates as end-of-year numbers finalize and will track any state supplemental funds that can be applied to FY25.","Milton Public Schools reported a projected $1,259,298 deficit for fiscal year 2025 as of March 31; an estimated $488,000 in potential circuit-breaker supplemental funds could reduce the gap to about $770,000. The committee discussed substitute coverage changes and concluded the remaining six weeks of the school year would yield limited savings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Milton School Committee approves educator agreement, interim superintendent contract and interim leadership appointments

Facilities update: Cunningham renovation timeline, outdoor learning planning and building repairs

Policy subcommittee to propose French-immersion lottery changes after community feedback

Milton projects $1.26 million FY25 deficit; possible state circuit-breaker funds could cut shortfall