In a recent meeting of the Milton School Finance Subcommittee, discussions centered around a significant financial decision impacting the school budget for fiscal year 2026. The committee addressed the potential reallocation of $700,000 from the special education circuit breaker reserve to a town reserve, raising concerns about how this move would affect the school’s budget request.

The conversation highlighted the need for clarity regarding the town's vision for the $700,000, which was not initially allocated to the schools through override requests. School representatives expressed apprehension that this reallocation could effectively mean a cut to the school budget, necessitating adjustments in their upcoming budget request. The committee emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of this decision, particularly as it relates to funding for special education.

Members of the subcommittee clarified that their intention was not to view this as a budget cut but rather as a strategic move to replenish the special education stabilization fund. They proposed increasing the fund to $1 million, which would provide additional resources for special education needs. This approach aims to ensure that the schools have adequate support while also addressing the town's financial strategy to avoid future overrides.

The discussions also touched on the broader context of the town's financial planning, with officials indicating that the $700,000 would help stabilize operating costs and extend the timeline for potential future overrides. The goal is to maintain a sustainable budget without imposing additional financial burdens on taxpayers in the near term.

As the meeting concluded, the subcommittee recognized the need for ongoing dialogue with the town to ensure that both the school and town budgets align effectively. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial as the school prepares its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, with the potential for significant implications for educational funding in Milton.