During the recent Milton School Finance Subcommittee meeting on March 10, 2025, members expressed urgent concerns regarding ongoing negotiations with the teachers' union, highlighting the potential impact on staff retention and student outcomes. The discussions underscored the critical need for the school committee to take a proactive stance to ensure that quality educators remain in the district, especially in light of looming budgetary decisions.
Committee members voiced frustration over the timing of these negotiations, noting that the lack of prior communication could hinder their ability to address community concerns effectively. The importance of retaining skilled teachers was emphasized, with one member stating that passing the budget override without maintaining a strong teaching staff would significantly harm students.
The subcommittee is set to meet again in April, where they plan to discuss the budgets for fiscal years 2020 and 2026, including the override budget request. Members encouraged public participation in these discussions to ensure transparency and community engagement.
As the meeting concluded, the subcommittee members reiterated their commitment to addressing these pressing issues and welcomed any follow-up questions from the community. The next steps will be crucial in shaping the future of Milton's educational landscape, as the committee aims to balance financial constraints with the need for quality education.