Mark Loring took the helm of the School Committee Wednesday night as the district prepares for high-stakes enrollment lotteries and explores a major real estate acquisition to solve persistent overcrowding. Loring, a charter school superintendent with deep experience on the town’s finance subcommittee, was elected Chair in a 4-0-1 vote, succeeding Amanda Serio. Member Bao Qiu nominated Loring, noting that Mark's experience and expertise will bring us to the next level as the chair because of his extensive knowledge of district operations and building projects. Motion Made by B. Qiu to elect Mark Loring as Chair of the Milton School Committee. Motion Passed (4-0-1) with Loring abstaining.

The leadership transition comes as the district faces immediate capacity pressures. Superintendent Peter Whelan announced that the French Immersion program is oversubscribed for the upcoming school year, with 10 extra students at Collicot and three at Tucker. Individual school lotteries are scheduled for Monday, May 4, and officials plan to personally call all 13 affected families. Resident Dan Record questioned the necessity of the lottery during public comment, asking, With 10 extra students at Collicot and three extra at Tucker, why can't three of the students at Tucker be put at Glover and have the 10 accommodated at Collicot and Cunningham? While the committee does not respond directly to public comment, Chair Loring encouraged Record to follow up with the Superintendent’s office via email.

To address long-term space challenges at Cunningham and Collicot, the district has turned its attention to the Laboure College property on Adams Street. Superintendent Whelan reported that he and Loring recently toured the facility, which is expected to hit the market in 2026 as the college’s nursing program merges with Curry College. Following the public session, the committee entered an executive session specifically to discuss the value and potential purchase or lease of the real estate. Whelan noted that the space could offer a vital relief valve for the district’s elementary schools.

Financial strategy remained a central theme as the committee finalized two major policy shifts regarding special education funding. The board approved the second reading of a new Special Education Stabilization Fund policy, which allows the district to reallocate already-appropriated funds into a reserve account without requiring a fresh Town Meeting vote. Chair Loring explained that we can reallocate funds that have already been appropriated to us into this fund without a town meeting vote, a move intended to provide more fiscal agility when facing unexpected student needs. Motion Made by A. Serio to approve the second reading of the Special Education Stabilization Fund policy. Motion Passed (Unanimous voice vote). A companion policy regarding the Circuit Breaker reserve also received final approval. Outgoing Chair Amanda Serio, who was thanked by the board for her years of service, remarked, I just really appreciate all the work that has gone into us approving this. It's a great accomplishment for this team. Motion Made by A. Varghese to approve the second reading of the Circuit Breaker policy. Motion Passed (Unanimous voice vote).

A third-quarter financial report presented by staff member Katie revealed a razor-thin projected operating surplus of approximately $34,000 for the current fiscal year. Despite the surplus, the district had to absorb roughly $100,000 in unanticipated repairs, including a water heater replacement at Cunningham and elevator work at Tucker. The report noted that substitute teacher costs are finally tracking under budget. We funded the line at the actual level of expenditure from the last three years and met with principals to discuss coverage and how to reduce costs, Katie explained. Member Annamma Varghese, who was later elected Vice Chair, questioned the sustainability of state funding after learning a supplemental budget might bring an additional $260,000 to Milton for transportation. The transportation reimbursement rate went from 61% to 75%. Is that a permanent change? Varghese asked. Staff clarified that while 75% is the state’s target, actual reimbursement often fluctuates based on the state’s available budget. Motion Made by A. Varghese to approve the third quarter report. Motion Passed (Unanimous voice vote).

Earlier in the meeting, newly seated member Stevie Codwell joined the board following the recent election. While Codwell participated in the reorganization, she largely abstained from the financial policy votes to allow for further review of the district's historical context. The reorganization concluded with Varghese being elected Vice Chair. Motion Made by M. Loring to elect Annamma Varghese as Vice Chair. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Chair Loring also moved to keep Superintendent Whelan as the town's representative to the South Shore Educational Collaborative. Motion Made by M. Loring to appoint the Superintendent of Schools or his designee as Milton's representative to the South Shore Educational Collaborative. Motion Passed (Unanimous voice vote).

Warrant Committee Chair Jay Funland addressed the committee to announce a looming town-wide financial discussion. Next Monday on May the 4th in this room, the warrant committee will have an open forum about the town budget and financial forecast, Funland said. He emphasized that the forum would focus heavily on future forecasts and the potential for overrides, urging both town meeting members and the general public to attend. This forecast comes as the committee continues to grapple with the $75.6 million budget strategy set for the upcoming Town Meeting on May 6.

The meeting also served as a farewell for student representative Elias Caros, who has served in the role for four years. Caros, who is set to graduate in June, thanked the committee for the opportunity to provide a student voice. It has been a huge honor, Caros said, before highlighting upcoming events including the high school theater production of The Drowsy Chaperone and AP exams. Superintendent Whelan praised Caros as a faithful student rep and a leader in the school’s music and Latin programs.

Loring closed the public session by calling for a governance retreat this summer and asking members to fill out interest forms for various subcommittee assignments. Member Nathan David Hutto and Member Elizabeth Carroll were also present, with Carroll notably seconding several of the night’s key reorganization motions. The committee then adjourned to its private session to continue real estate negotiations regarding the Laboure property.