[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6211536,"mediaKeyId","3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8","parentId",3695063,"title","School committee holds first reading to adopt rotating religious and cultural holiday cycle","audioSeconds",859,"startMs",4629000,"endMs",5488000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8&start=4629&end=5488","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8/thumbnail_4629000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6211536/Massachusetts/School-committee-holds-first-reading-to-adopt-rotating-religious-and-cultural-holiday-cycle","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211536-bf620e319b6d79efd18a52b565ba640b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776434574&Signature=n8lGP0kAdeCriMpxWwAaxyh4MGDb83UoCOmGvHHWMaexBgmDl1~wzX3kfCiMkMVD1ZyVjMlVIdOeIQXuuuik-wnTrdA4FEng3hcHaVHDYjkEvn5Ss7lIO5sChDUCz1m3nuOW59y8o0ZUW1M-LndR2GjgpY0dyjOVzB25lBGITFsA2SBxLL0wUocIPZW5kL2ylCZ8rS~57a1c58AGIVajrrhhwRC3PofcsHtyY6DkZOyhX2Dk8v8dTjxD2nd4~SaVK5SmmfSjJ7N7bCsWfPQbMbZ15n-q8g7jkIw114kqB4X7D7iAgeN8vdluggkat0V1Sovb5lpL9WSeFZ9SbOIQjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Milton Public Schools, MA","date","2025-06-05T17:57:17Z","article","The Milton School Committee conducted a first reading Tuesday of proposed revisions to Policy IC to formalize an MPS religious and cultural holiday cycle that will recognize up to two days per year on a rotating schedule.

The draft policy adds language that the district will schedule two recognized religious and cultural holidays each year on a rotation, with the goal of minimizing instructional disruption and achieving an even distribution of recognition over time. Committee members discussed whether the policy should use the term “recognize” rather than “celebrate,” and asked administration to draft accompanying procedures explaining how the two‑day rotation will be determined each year.

Committee members emphasized flexibility in the policy text so superintendents and staff can account for calendar variability (for example, when holidays fall on weekends) and asked that the superintendent’s office and bargaining units be part of planning the operational details. The committee agreed the policy should state the goal of even distribution and minimizing instructional disruption, but that the detailed process for choosing specific days should be included in an administrative procedure and presented to the committee with the school calendar.

This item was a first reading; committee members asked the policy subcommittee and administration to refine language and an associated procedure before a second reading and vote at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Committee - June 4th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee conducted a first reading of Policy IC to formalize a two‑day rotating religious and cultural holiday cycle and directed administration to develop procedures and calendar guidance for implementation.","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},6211541,"Milton committee approves MOAs with MEA units B and D after executive session",174,2730000,2904000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8&start=2730&end=2904","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8/thumbnail_2730000.jpg","/articles/6211541/Massachusetts/Milton-committee-approves-MOAs-with-MEA-units-B-and-D-after-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211541-7f32df66ff4e554825e938d33c771687/orig.mp4?Expires=1776434574&Signature=IEHKruOjCjcemoY0a3ZAk9z~KfkpO6s1Wk547vaFbKqh-5fpuBV-BwirzGG2yno7vNtQ05nPPFw8rpuIhmJRLex9myOqfbg~uy9pu~cjlCPQxR1T1PZcySspL8SLhjyh8mpBXU00~zmSdXN0OdBS6VPCgbBz2kyW-09K258nWpdp-VWs6mWj1Y4JRNb4Kk1PsAgObaFpKLdZpHeODU7DCETDybfADEanzFafJ9wKx1Qc2xi6uhQcMUNdGmxcwYcbPCluGyaFzl3VVhLbaNH~~ROFdYs9nepzm4m3iLXezxVKCL3u0iV93-zyx1zrfyFCQXUh8h698GKCAOu1rhhtXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milton School Committee adjourned into executive session under M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3) on June 4 to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining and then returned to open session to approve two memoranda of agreement.

During the executive session motion, the chair cited M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3), saying open discussion would be detrimental to the committee’s bargaining position. The roll call for the motion to enter executive session recorded affirmative votes from committee members present.

After returning to open session, the committee voted to approve a memorandum of agreement between the Milton Educators Association Unit B and the Milton School Committee covering 07/01/2025 through 06/30/2026. The committee then approved a memorandum of agreement with Milton Educators Association Unit D covering 09/01/2025 through 08/31/2026. Both approvals were made by voice vote; the chair called the motions approved.

The committee did not publish the text of the agreements during the open session; the meeting record notes the timeframes and that approval motions passed. Further implementation details and any budgetary impacts were deferred to administration and the finance committee for incorporation into FY26 planning.","After an executive session on collective bargaining, the committee returned to open session and approved memoranda of agreement with the Milton Educators Association for Unit B (7/1/2025–6/30/2026) and Unit D (9/1/2025–8/31/2026).",{"_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},6211546,"Milton schools project larger FY25 shortfall; committee to work with town on reserve funds and tighter spending controls",1539,3344000,4883000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8&start=3344&end=4883","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8/thumbnail_3344000.jpg","/articles/6211546/Massachusetts/Milton-schools-project-larger-FY25-shortfall-committee-to-work-with-town-on-reserve-funds-and-tighter-spending-controls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211546-ab9b209247ddc7a78109680d691e401c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776434574&Signature=SCvoxvbVZU4lSVuUSI7BV8kFCkVRyONourSw4BRWdvVGKeVkO4hthgivs6BktpTbIxn0hsgT1hF~D621ojNtMOGbI6SC5ssyZ6Tf1S7inCVJY~4Ed84RMdqGN28bM2B2vVHpboIEn-EB61y-rH0Mv~sMR-GheaPmtw1Wif6GMRH0gXLMWipRWDI0S68onvyc~1lzFE6BRVBTuW43~srz434FoArNpjIIwGk1DkLz--FiDlgtBLSGSfvkE6xe5pnhngaEPhIj9-kWDTFMlW8S3R6Yf6-zUYOSTZW7pgyNmh8oktVoqz80-fnEYt68SgCHgZK5yS3cKMhobGbTmgCo6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milton School Committee’s finance update on June 4 said the district’s projected FY25 deficit has grown since the third quarter, and committee and district leaders described steps to work with the town to close the gap and tighten spending controls for FY26.

Finance members reported that the district’s projected deficit had been “just south of $700,000” after quarter three but, with late‑year costs, is now “closer to that million dollars,” reflecting additional expenses for spring sports stipends, substitute coverage, some transportation costs and unencumbered purchase orders that were not captured in earlier projections.

The committee flagged Article 1 on the town meeting warrant, a $300,000 appropriation to the town reserve fund, as a possible source to address the year‑end funding gap. Committee leaders said they are coordinating with town finance staff and will report back at the June 11 finance meeting.

Finance and district staff said several factors drove the increased projection: higher than expected stipend and spring sports payments; unexpected foster or homeless student transportation obligations that are immediately mandated; and expenditures that were incurred but not encumbered by purchase orders earlier in the year. The committee noted that Katie Blake, the district finance lead, is wrapping up the fiscal closeout and will continue to comb through encumbered POs to identify unspent funds that can reduce the projected shortfall.

Interim district leadership said the district will institute tighter central controls in FY26. Measures discussed include earlier PO closeout practices (central review of encumbrances by April/May) and closer central approval of hiring and expenditures. The interim superintendent said the district will “operate like that moving into FY26” and pledged to tighten checks and balances to ensure accurate quarterly reporting.

The committee approved two vendor warrants at the meeting: warrant 46 for $251,680.25 (payable 05/29/25) and warrant 47 for $156,971.65 (payable 06/05/25). Committee members also said they expect to consider community school compensation and other items at upcoming finance meetings; several items were deferred to June finance sessions for more detail.

Committee members urged transparency to reassure taxpayers who supported the override and those who did not. The interim superintendent said the district will present tightened oversight plans to the public and town meeting members so voters can see how funds will be stewarded.","Finance committee reported that the FY25 deficit projection increased from just under $700,000 after quarter three to close to $1 million; the school committee will work with the town on reserve fund Article 1 and implement tighter PO and hiring controls for FY26.",{"_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},6211551,"CPAC urges Milton committee to partner on special education staffing, coordination and communication",2569,293000,2862000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8&start=293&end=2862","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8/thumbnail_293000.jpg","/articles/6211551/Massachusetts/CPAC-urges-Milton-committee-to-partner-on-special-education-staffing-coordination-and-communication","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211551-bfbaf4464c327ebf01bba0631cd9b574/orig.mp4?Expires=1776434574&Signature=lqkXyvfFqjZGZA~Tq7V0aAYSgMQx1tCjZKscbDLCX5DMMxaxkSoPAK01AYdUi~scTrYCilCQtkbhItU7vO7EojEJhchASzr935XtGr1GAKGzF~uRzgJ52JAXDGW-Qg6nwP0QKfelAanQskYrveYUpqdM7e6cTzH0iqgx6SHksw2dKBl-Fx4oXiqSMBN8PY36emhWON1u~2YjHm~vAJGy8Oh34fINJt2-zj~dkOXPmJx0TjggjkXjKJ0aCwqi5E9XjC6i-jnsKwtRI~7XKh9KFSxc~g6MQ0To5YYSgOfojesTl5vFd-LRnvv6AJOQImTx4odRgGctEj9GjwaM-ofXTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Milton School Committee meeting on June 4, Joanna McCarthy, co‑chair of the Committee for Parents of Children with Disabilities (CPAC), asked the committee to partner with CPAC to address recurring special education concerns, including staffing, district‑level coordination of programs and clearer communication to families.

McCarthy described three themes CPAC has heard from families: inadequate staffing to meet Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), decentralization of program management within individual buildings, and inconsistent communication with special education families. She said CPAC will meet over the summer to refine its objectives and invited the committee to request CPAC input on specific topics.

Committee members acknowledged the concerns and noted CPAC’s work will be considered as part of summer planning and the committee’s broader governance and communication reviews. The committee’s policy and governance planning sessions were cited as venues to define the scope and expectations for any school committee representative who would attend CPAC or related task‑force meetings.

No formal action or vote was taken. CPAC requested clearer mechanisms for engagement and for district staff to improve transparent, consistent communication about special education programming across buildings.","CPAC co‑chair presented recurring themes—staffing shortages, coordination issues, and inconsistent communication—and asked the school committee to clarify roles and partner on solutions.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6211556,"Milton committee to review French immersion and first‑grade class‑size policy at summer planning retreat",1002,167000,1169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8&start=167&end=1169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3695063-1b656288c6a62e6c46c9fefa52134db8/thumbnail_167000.jpg","/articles/6211556/Massachusetts/Milton-committee-to-review-French-immersion-and-firstgrade-classsize-policy-at-summer-planning-retreat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211556-41b403fe111fb5eb8ae30e423bc1b163/orig.mp4?Expires=1776434574&Signature=O0Uu91YrTCbaIO8IncnqeJJOGEVOC5i5Vghd1BbXsuOArfQAnIbfjb~t6lLYiLN6vghDcUREFbQbSuACNYMlkmmWTqBSHPVpM7~1Qc-cN~WT9JrMDndWN7zM7~C9kjloXLtBzrDd4WZnmBWQ1gNEO~8Ix~fT8kyJx0i9FPOn1pfEkKTERylYjU8O5xxFmi6bllrWiJLX~i7BIvGxBtG-HGQLtyecnVCklOUJAcyX8a9S-TT8IrKGlSqIZgXqFmYZpAseFLtvE34r8HmNW0DTbkSdW39NaukuoA10Y0W7kLo989yt~AkqpF7-7pc4q7Y4lLdMPJHAaZr4RXLphvlsrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milton School Committee said Tuesday it will take a comprehensive look at French immersion classroom allocations and first‑grade enrollment after community members raised concerns about large kindergarten cohorts and wait lists.

The issue drew public comment from parents and a policy discussion at the meeting, where interim district leadership described how the French program’s historical enrollment patterns have interacted with a larger recent kindergarten cohort. Interim leadership said kindergarten and incoming first‑grade placements will be centrally managed going forward and that the committee will address policy questions at a summer planning retreat.

Parents and advocates urged the committee to examine class sizes and lottery procedures. Parent and public commenter Catherine Conaghan told the committee she supports “continued discussions around French programming” and asked that the district include students already enrolled in a French program in the second lottery so families in single‑stream classes could transfer to schools with two‑stream openings.

Joanna McCarthy, co‑chair of the Committee for Parents of Children with Disabilities (CPAC), flagged broader capacity questions tied to special education needs and urged clearer enrollment projections; she said families want “a clear understanding of the programming and strands of special education in and across our district and schools.”

Interim superintendent (as introduced at the meeting) explained the district’s approach to the French program: historically the district has planned additional seats for kindergarten cohorts in French because attrition typically reduces French enrollment across grades 1–5. The interim official said districts often accept a slightly higher initial French section size to account for that attrition and to keep programs viable over time. “The French program is a hallmark of the district,” the interim official said, adding that program supports for both English and French strands are important.

Officials acknowledged the current kindergarten cohort is unusually large and that the size difference between English and French sections (the district has historically started many French classes at 26 students) contributes to near‑capacity conditions. The interim superintendent said district staff will monitor incoming kindergarten numbers and class assignments and will bring specific policy and data items to the summer retreat so the committee can set goals and consider policy changes.

As an operational change, the interim superintendent said all kindergarten and grade‑one assignment decisions for new students this year “will go through my office moving forward,” making placement a centralized function that district leadership will monitor closely.

No formal policy changes or votes on the French program were taken at the June 4 meeting. Committee members said they plan a more detailed presentation and data review at the retreat and at upcoming policy and finance meetings before any changes to lottery preference or class‑size targets are finalized.

The committee asked members of the public to submit specific questions or areas of interest about the French program ahead of the retreat so presenters can compile relevant data and policy options.","School committee and interim superintendent discussed rising kindergarten cohort sizes, French immersion class caps historically set higher than English, and plans to centralize K and Grade 1 placements and review lottery/policy at a summer retreat.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School committee holds first reading to adopt rotating religious and cultural holiday cycle

Milton committee approves MOAs with MEA units B and D after executive session

Milton schools project larger FY25 shortfall; committee to work with town on reserve funds and tighter spending controls

CPAC urges Milton committee to partner on special education staffing, coordination and communication

Milton committee to review French immersion and first‑grade class‑size policy at summer planning retreat