Board hears Pre‑K update: district proposes phased tuition increase, aims to expand licensed spaces and staffing
Summary
Pre‑K staff reported 21 classrooms with capacity for about 294 students, described funding sources and proposed a phased tuition increase from $1,000 to $1,175 and later to $1,350 monthly, and outlined steps to license additional school spaces and hire separate‑setting teachers.
District pre‑K staff updated the board on program capacity, funding and next steps, and proposed a phased tuition increase intended to align tuition with state subsidy rates and stabilize program finances.
Ms. Reeves, speaking for the pre‑K program, reported the district currently operates 21 pre‑K classrooms with a total day capacity of about 294 students across 10 of 11 elementary schools. Placement types reported included 132 Head Start seats, 27 NC Pre‑K seats, 8 subsidy seats, 50 seats for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) whose teachers case‑manage them, and 62 tuition seats. Reeves said the program is slightly under maximum capacity and that wait lists remain, with 50 families on the tuition wait list.
Reeves described extended care arrangements (afternoon hours roughly 2:30–5:00 p.m.) with an adult‑to‑child ratio of 1:9 during that period and noted variable offerings at different schools. She said the district's current tuition rate is $1,000 per month and that the program brings roughly $500,000 in annual revenue. The presentation proposed a two‑step increase: a 17.5% raise to $1,175 per month for 2025–26 (estimated revenue $588,000) and a later increase to match the state subsidy maximum of $1,350 per month (estimated revenue $675,000) to bring tuition in line with subsidy rates and teacher compensation costs.
Reeves said some of the current tuition rate reflects earlier alignment with the state subsidy rate and that the district has not changed tuition in a documented 10 years (staff estimated roughly 18 years in practice). Board members asked about the basis for the proposed increase; Reeves cited subsidy rates, teacher pay increases and the need to sustain the program as drivers.
Dr. Mapp and Reeves outlined next steps including hiring two separate‑setting pre‑K teachers (one planned for Northside and one for Moore's Grove), applying for a behavior‑supports grant in collaboration with the special education office, increasing accountability and office support for pre‑K leadership, tracking pre‑K cohorts into kindergarten to monitor readiness, and pursuing licensure for eligible gyms and libraries to increase on‑site capacity while ensuring compliance with Head Start facility rules.
Board members praised the program's quality and staff, acknowledged concerns about raising tuition for families after a long period without change, and encouraged continued attention to equitable access. No board vote was recorded; staff said they will pursue grant applications, staffing and licensure and return with additional details.
