Concerns over leadership instability and budget deficits dominated the Milton School Finance Subcommittee meeting on March 10, 2025. A committee member raised alarms about the potential impact of having four superintendents in just five years, warning that this could severely undermine community trust and complicate efforts to secure a budget override.

The member emphasized the need for strong leadership during this transition, stating, "We’re definitely gonna be challenged, and there’s things that get lost under the radar when you don’t have strong leadership." This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety about the district's ability to maintain educational standards, particularly regarding the long-awaited English Language Arts (ELA) program, which has been a point of contention for three years.

The discussion also highlighted concerns about the evaluation of non-teaching positions within the budget. The member expressed frustration over a lack of transparency regarding these roles, stating, "It seems to me... we really should be evaluating because I do think this number that you are presenting without really evaluating everything is extremely challenging."

As the committee prepares for potential budget cuts, the member pointed out that the current financial plan appears unsustainable, warning that the district will still face a deficit in 2025. "We don’t have the amount of money coming in to offset what we’re going to be having for positions," they noted, calling for a clearer understanding of the budget's long-term viability.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for strategic planning and community engagement as the district navigates these challenges, with the Select Board ultimately holding the power to make critical financial decisions. The path forward remains uncertain, but the call for accountability and thorough evaluation of budgetary needs is clear.