School Budget | Outstanding MMS Musicians | Strengthening Math @ MES | and more...

Every fall, the MTSD Board of Trustees works with District Leadership to create a budget for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1.  The Board works to find the balance between providing the resources necessary for students to thrive while maintaining fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.  Vermont’s state-wide approach to education funding means the Board must navigate a complicated formula to determine how Milton’s school budget impacts the town’s homestead tax rate.  There are some measures that have a huge effect that remain in flux, including the town’s common level of appraisal (CLA) and the long-term weighted average membership (LTWADM).

We began the process this year by creating a level-service budget, this means we have the same level of services and programming as the current year. We then adjust for anticipated increases in costs (salaries, health insurance premiums, transportation, utilities..) to come up with an initial budget for 2027.  This first draft of the budget is a 7.49% increase over last year’s expenditures.  What is unknown is how this increase will affect the tax rate.  Last year’s spending increase was also 7% but the result was a decrease in the tax rate. This year - depending on the CLA and Yield, it could have the opposite impact.  Because of this, the Board is preparing for reductions in programming if the level service budget results in a tax increase that the Board is unable to support.  The Superintendent will present several reduction scenarios at the December 18th board meeting, along with all other budget related information. We encourage your participation and please reach out to a Board member if you have questions or input that you would like to share.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jeremy Metcalf 
Milton Town School District Trustee

We encourage community members to bookmark the district’s budget webpage and check back regularly. Information will be updated as it becomes available and as the FY27 budget moves closer to its final draft.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Milton Town Offices

Voter Registration

The Superintendent Parent Advisory Group (SPAG) has launched. This group aims to foster communication and strengthen family school partnerships.  The first two meetings have focused on getting to know each other, discussing our purpose, and how to effectively carry out this work. This newly-formed group of volunteers is in the early stages of creating a structure to connect directly with Milton families. Its goal is to better understand and enhance school communications at the classroom, school, and district levels. 

The SPAG members are - Crystal Gingris; Victoria Herman; Jennifer Hoyt; Jenn Lesage; Nick McGowan; Brittany Parrish-Totin; and Brian Singh. 

Stay Tuned. By mid- January, SPAG will be ready to share more details about what we hope to achieve and how. 

This year, Milton Elementary School is partnering with the All Learners Network (ALN) to strengthen universal core math instruction and build teacher capacity through high-quality professional learning. ALN’s mission is to improve instructional and assessment practices that lead to stronger learning outcomes for all students. Their work is grounded in research-based approaches to math education that support inclusion, differentiation, systems thinking, and the use of formative assessment to guide instruction. By improving pedagogy, ALN aims to ensure equitable access to rigorous, high-quality mathematics learning for every student at Milton.

As part of this work, our third-grade teachers are engaging in a supportive coaching model with ALN coach, Josh Bunker. Josh is working directly with teachers to plan and implement core math instruction using our Illustrative Math program resources while also deepening skills in assessment, responsive teaching, and making informed instructional shifts based on student understanding.

This week, third grade teachers launched their second round of coaching, and Ms. Strousse and Ms. Lebel led a rounding lesson with their students. The classroom energy was inspiring, students were highly engaged, reflective, and eager to discuss their thinking as they worked with number lines in partners and small groups. Their collaboration and support of one another’s learning was a true highlight of the lesson.

Following instruction, the teachers are able to debrief together with Josh about how their different approaches, and their use of the Illustrative Math materials, supported student understanding. They reflected on what worked well, how students responded, and what they might adjust if they taught the lesson again. These rich, collaborative conversations are at the heart of instructional growth. Opening one’s classroom to observers is never easy, and we are deeply grateful for their willingness to try new strategies, be vulnerable, and engage fully in this learning process.

Through this partnership with ALN, our third-grade team is strengthening their practice while ensuring that Milton students receive instruction that is research-based, equitable, and designed to help every learner achieve growth in mathematics.

We are incredibly proud to announce a major accomplishment for the Milton Music program! On December 3rd, two Equinox 8th graders, Andrew Erdelyi and Avery Ainsworth, took on the challenge of auditioning for the VMEA High School District Music Festival.

Competing against high school musicians from across the Northwest region of Vermont, both students delivered outstanding performances and placed above many older competitors to earn their spots in the festival. A special congratulations goes to Avery Ainsworth, who placed 3rd overall among all clarinet auditions!

The Vermont Music Educators Association (VMEA) hosts this prestigious festival annually to showcase the top musical talent in the area. For middle school students to qualify is a rare and impressive feat.

Andrew and Avery will represent Milton at the festival on January 29th and 30th at Mt. Mansfield Union High School (MMU). We look forward to hearing them perform and will be sure to share photos from the event in our next update.

Congratulations, Andrew and Avery!

As a reminder to all Milton families: while many colleges’ early-action or early-decision apps were due in November, you may still have time to submit under regular-decision plans, which typically have deadlines around late December through mid-January (often by January 1–15). 

If you haven’t yet submitted — now’s the time to wrap up essays, submit counselor/teacher recommendations, check that transcripts and test scores have been sent to colleges, and double-check each school’s official deadline.

Don’t wait, missing a regular-decision deadline could mean delaying your college start a year. Need some guidance or help? Visit your friendly School Counselors soon.

Winter in Vermont can be unforgiving. With average temperatures in the Milton area dipping below freezing and often dropping into the teens and single digits on the coldest days, adequate winter clothing isn’t just a comfort — it’s a necessity. For many in our community, staying warm shouldn’t be a luxury, yet too many families lack the essential gear needed to face harsh winter weather.

That’s why the Rotary and Interact Clubs at Milton High School are proud to host a Winter Gear Drive — because no child, neighbor, or family should have to endure the season without proper winter protection.

Why Your Support Matters
• Many local households struggle with the rising cost of living, and winter gear is often an unaffordable extra.
• Exposure to cold weather without proper clothing can lead to hypothermia and other serious health risks — especially for children and older adults.
• Last winter, community centers across our region saw a significant increase in requests for coats, boots, hats, and gloves.

How You Can Help
We are collecting new and gently used winter essentials, including:
❄️ Coats & jackets
🧤 Gloves & mittens
🧣 Hats & scarves
🥾 Boots & warm socks

All donations will be distributed directly to the Milton Family Community Center to support those in greatest need.

Donation Details
📍 Drop off items in the MHS front office
📅 Collection runs through December 19

Your generosity has the power to bring warmth, comfort, and dignity to families facing hardship this winter. Together, we can help ensure that every member of our community stays safe and warm in the cold months ahead.

Thank you for your compassion and support — it truly makes a meaningful difference.

For December, the School Board Employee of the Month recognition focused on our UA (Unified Arts) teachers — the creative, innovative, and passionate educators who bring art, language, and hands-on learning to life for our students every day. These educators help students discover their voices, build confidence, and connect classroom learning to the world beyond our schools.

We are proud to recognize the following UA teachers for December:

Laura Taylor – Milton High School

Laura Taylor is more than a Spanish teacher — she is a mentor, advocate, and lifelong connector for her students. She builds lasting relationships that go far beyond the classroom, supporting students long after graduation through reference letters, encouragement, and continued connection.

Laura creates a classroom rooted in belonging and cultural appreciation, helping students build confidence not just in their language skills, but in themselves. Her commitment to attending student events, supporting school activities, and leading organizations like Rotary Interact makes her a pillar of the MHS community.

“Señora Taylor doesn’t just teach Spanish — she teaches students how to connect, grow, and believe in themselves.”
“She shows up for her students in every way, and they never forget her impact.”

Laura’s dedication, warmth, and passion truly embody the spirit of Unified Arts education.

Kaley Dickinson – Milton Middle School

Kaley Dickinson’s art room is a place of creativity, safety, and expression. She has a rare ability to connect with students through art, adapt to every learner’s needs, and build confidence through creativity.

Her leadership extends beyond the classroom — from designing sets for the MMS annual play to helping bring school dances and spaces to life, Kaley’s impact can be seen throughout the building. Students respect and protect the artwork they create, a direct reflection of the culture of care and pride she builds every day.

“Her classroom is a space where students feel calm, respected, and inspired.”
“She is a quiet leader who makes a powerful difference.”

Kaley’s thoughtfulness, creativity, and steady leadership make her an invaluable part of the MMS community.

Kendra Gorton – Milton Elementary School

Kendra Gorton has built something truly special through the elementary STEAM program. From creating the program from the ground up to securing grant funding, she has brought vision, perseverance, and innovation to MES.

Her classroom is a place where failure is reframed as learning, curiosity is encouraged, and creativity is celebrated. Students leave her class excited, confident, and proud of what they’ve built and discovered.

“She teaches students that it’s okay to try, fail, and try again.”
“She creates a space where every child feels capable and inspired.”

Kendra’s dedication, creativity, and deep connection to the Milton community have made a lasting impact on students and staff alike.

We are proud to recognize Laura Taylor, Kaley Dickinson, and Kendra Gorton for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and the difference they make in the lives of our students every single day.

We are proud to recognize Laura Taylor, Kaley Dickinson, and Kendra Gorton for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and the difference they make in the lives of our students every single day.

You may have noticed some exciting changes this spring—Milton Town School District has a brand-new website! Along with it, we’re introducing a mobile app designed to make it easier than ever to stay connected. From following sports and school events to receiving important announcements, everything you need is right at your fingertips.

The app also includes translation features, so you can view updates in the language of your choice. Downloading is simple—just use the links below to get started and stay connected with MTSD wherever you are.

Milton Town School District
12 Bradley Street
Milton VT 05468