In one of the most heavily debated items of the session, Town Meeting approved a $75,613,973 budget for Milton Public Schools for FY27. The appropriation represents a 3.76% increase over the current year, though school officials noted that the figure required $1 million in reductions from their original level-service request. These cuts are expected to impact staffing as the district struggles to align its expenses with town revenue growth.

The debate centered on what some members described as a gap between inputs and outputs. Personnel Board Chair Robert Hiss and other members noted that while the teacher headcount has risen from 313 to 348 since 2020, student MCAS scores have seen a decline. Data shared during the meeting showed English proficiency scores dropping from 71% to 64% and Math scores from 69% to 60%. Precinct 7 member Cindy Christensen advocated for a forensic audit of the school budget, labeling the requested increase excessive for residents on fixed incomes.

Warrant Committee Chair Jay Fundling warned that the town is facing a structural deficit, as school expenses are growing at approximately 4.7% while town revenue only grows at 3.1%. Fundling suggested that a tax override may be necessary within the next two years to maintain current service levels. Despite the concerns over ROI and fiscal sustainability, the majority of the body voted to support the appropriation to avoid more drastic cuts to the classroom.

Vote: Passed 200-4-2