Finance committee reviews FY26 budget options: attrition cuts, program redesign and bus changes discussed

The Milton Finance Committee reviewed the school department’s FY2026 budget proposal, focusing on proposed reductions and contingency planning if an override does not pass.

Why it matters: The FY26 discussion covered staffing reductions tied to attrition, a redesign of an ABA-based partners program, potential changes to school bus service, and adjustments to fees — all of which could affect class sizes, special-education supports and family access to transportation and programs.

Enrollment and class-size planning Committee members discussed kindergarten enrollment projections and the impact on staffing. Peter (staff member) said enrollment figures used to plan FY26 were lower than last year: “at this time last year, we were at about 350, and right now we're at 280 something.” He said registration interest indicates the district might land “about 310” when registration closes. The committee also noted the New England School Development Council enrollment-projection report (referred to at the meeting) supports the lower incoming‑kindergarten estimate.

Staff said current kindergarten classes this year typically run 22–24 students; the district estimated that, if two kindergarten teaching positions were not refilled through attrition, average class size would be roughly 21 based on the present projection. Committee members repeatedly warned they will monitor registration and add positions if enrollment increases.

Attrition-based position reductions School staff and committee members clarified that the proposed reductions are being handled through attrition. Katie (staff member) said the plan would not remove existing employees from district payroll; instead, the district expects staff departures and would not refill corresponding positions. The proposal discussed removing two elementary (likely kindergarten) positions and one secondary position; committee members said the positions are identified as reductions in the plan, but that internal staff shifts are possible to meet grade-level needs.

Partners program redesign and special-education supports Several members raised concerns about communication and impact on families related to a redesign of an ABA-based partners program delivered in partnership with an external vendor (identified in the meeting as NECC). Amanda (Finance Committee member) said parents received an email about the change with little detail and called the timing “sudden.” She asked what the term the committee used in the meeting — described repeatedly as “3 50” — meant in dollar and service terms.

Staff responded that the budget includes a built-in, estimated savings described in the meeting as “3 50.” They said the projected reduction arises partly because the district plans to hire some staff directly (Milton Public Schools employees) rather than contracting those roles, which reduces costs, and partly from lower projected contracted consultation services. Katie said staff would return to a future finance committee meeting with a dollar‑level breakdown and that administrators had met with parents to answer questions.

Transportation and fees The proposal discussed eliminating one school bus from service; staff said the recent procurement review recommended using larger 77‑passenger vehicles that could preserve route capacity while reducing the number of buses. Staff cautioned, however, that even with larger vehicles the district might not be able to provide transportation to every family that requests it because state rules do not require transportation for some categories of students. The committee also discussed a proposed $45,000 increase in athletics fees and asked staff to present a fee chart and program-fee review for future meetings.

Override context and next steps Committee members reviewed the recent Duxbury override vote as a comparative data point. Lizzie (Finance Committee member) said turnout and campaign activity appeared to affect that result; she noted Duxbury’s override failed by 193 votes and that turnout was about 30 percent. Committee members said they plan to continue public outreach, finalize presentations for the warrant committee and hold community briefings in the coming days.

Formal actions taken The committee approved the finance committee meeting minutes for March 17 and March 19 in a roll-call vote (Amanda: yes; Selena: yes; Chair: yes). The committee then adjourned; that motion also passed on a roll-call vote.

What’s next: Staff said they will provide a more detailed breakdown of the program‑redesign savings and finalize fee proposals; the committee will present to the warrant committee and hold a community forum before the town’s Override vote process continues.