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