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