10:54During the public comment segment, Kristen Chandler, a parent of three Milton High School student-athletes, raised an issue of a scheduling conflict between Milton High School’s graduation and the Division 3 championship, both slated for June 1. Chandler emphasized the emotional toll on students who must choose between attending their graduation and participating in the championship. Highlighting the significance of both events, she urged the committee to explore solutions, such as negotiating with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) to reschedule the championship or adjusting the timing of the graduation ceremony. Chandler recounted previous unsuccessful attempts to resolve this with school administration and appealed to the committee to utilize their influence to advocate for a favorable resolution.

25:05Following Chandler’s comments, the meeting transitioned to other matters, including the Power School mass action lawsuit. The committee discussed joining a proposed lawsuit aimed at protecting the school district from future litigation without incurring costs. The lawsuit’s primary goal is to secure indemnification, with any potential settlement subject to attorney fees. Questions about the indemnification mechanism were addressed. The motion to join the lawsuit was unanimously approved.

35:46Budgetary discussions took center stage with updates on the FY25 budget and the approval of the FY26 fee schedule. The finance subcommittee report acknowledged the successful override vote, attributing its success to extensive community engagement and organizational efforts. The committee reviewed various fee adjustments, notably within the high school athletics and music programs, to better align with operational costs. The fee schedule, dated April 14, 2025, was approved unanimously.

45:35A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial reports and projections. The committee contemplated the implications of state budget supplemental funding, stressing the importance of monitoring the budget closely as the fiscal year approaches its end on June 30. The need for alignment with town officials and careful communication of budget needs was emphasized.

30:22The meeting also covered the Southshore Educational Collaborative, with a motion passed to appoint the superintendent or a designee as Milton’s representative. This collaborative provides specialized education services, and the appointment was required before the next meeting on May 21.

18:40Additionally, the committee recognized the achievements of students Riley Bergen and Lucy Lloyd Farber, who ran the Boston Marathon to raise funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and celebrated the success of Milton High School’s production of “Greece.”

45:55The meeting wrapped up with logistical discussions regarding the upcoming town meeting and necessary financial preparations. The timeline for critical actions, especially concerning budget presentations and community engagement, was outlined, with an emphasis on transparency and clarity. The proposal to meet again on May 12 to further discuss town meeting presentations and financial updates was agreed upon.