The Milton School Finance Subcommittee meeting on March 17, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding the funding of special education and the potential for a tax override to support the school budget.

One of the main topics was the need for a more equitable allocation of funds for special education, which some members compared to the town's approach to snow removal. The discussion highlighted concerns that the current funding model does not adequately meet the needs of students requiring special education services.

Committee members debated the optics of a proposed tax override, suggesting that framing it as a means for the school to balance its budget could alleviate perceptions that the school is reliant on the town for funding each year. There was a consensus that a tax override of approximately $500,000 could be a viable solution, although opinions varied on how to structure the funding.

The committee also discussed the importance of building reserves through the override to ensure long-term financial stability for both the school and town expenses. It was noted that if the town experiences favorable financial years, it could use surplus funds to bolster the school’s reserves, particularly for special education.

The meeting concluded with a plan to present these funding options to the town meeting for approval, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to address the financial challenges facing the school district.