Milton finance subcommittee outlines FY26 calendar, plans quasi zero‑based review and expanded community outreach

Milton School Committee finance subcommittee members reviewed a draft calendar for fiscal year 2026 planning and discussed steps to give the committee earlier visibility into department budget requests, broaden school‑level engagement and improve reporting formats.

The subcommittee agreed to pursue a quasi zero‑based budgeting process that will begin in September, when principals and department leaders will be asked to demonstrate why specific positions and programs are needed and to show evidence of effectiveness. Staff said that work will inform a set of budget highlights to share with the full school committee in October or November and to present to town budget processes once revenue assumptions are clearer.

Members discussed community engagement strategies for this fall and winter, including targeted meetings at individual schools, PTO presentations and site‑council briefings, to supplement the formal, legally required public budget hearing that the district must advertise. The committee said smaller, school‑level meetings could help parents and staff understand program‑level decisions rather than rely only on a single committee hearing in January or later.

The subcommittee also recommended an early set of education sessions for the Warrant Committee and other town stakeholders to explain key recurring finance concepts — for example, how circuit‑breaker and IDEA funds, revolving accounts and grants interact with the general fund — so those groups ask informed questions before the formal budget calendar accelerates. Staff said they previously prepared an FAQ and circuit‑breaker “101” materials and will consider reissuing or expanding those materials to the broader committee and to town representatives.

Members briefly discussed whether to include a planning‑board representative on a proposed townwide finance committee. Some subcommittee members said the planning board’s long‑range work affects town finances, but others questioned whether an ongoing seat would add value to the finance committee’s primarily budget‑review charge. The subcommittee said it will convey that feedback to town staff.

The group also confirmed plans to review grant‑management manuals and the school department’s reporting structure, and asked staff to present sample quarterly reports and a proposed cost‑center layout at a follow‑up meeting so the committee can set expectations for consistent, apples‑to‑apples reporting across the year.

Ending: Staff said they will organize fall sessions with principals and directors, prepare budget highlights for the committee in October or November, coordinate outreach with town finance staff and reissue FAQ materials for community and Warrant Committee members ahead of the town budget hearings.