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Canton School Committee raises some student fees, restructures middle‑school club charges
Summary
The Canton School Committee on March 27 approved modest fee increases and a new structure for middle‑school club charges, citing long‑unchanged rates and higher operating costs.
The Canton School Committee on March 27 approved a set of adjustments to activity and rental fees, citing unchanged rates through much of the last decade and rising operational costs.
What changed - High school athletics: per‑season athletic fee proposed to increase from $1.95 to $2.45; committee kept the family cap methodology (the family cap equals four times the athletic fee, preserving a maximum annual family contribution of $9.80 under the new rate). - Performing arts: a one‑time participation fee will rise from $75 to $100. - Galvin Middle School clubs and activities: the committee moved away from a single flat $75 charge and approved a per‑trimester fee of $50; families may purchase an annual pass at $140 if students participate across all three trimesters. - Building rentals: custodial overtime and holiday/Sunday staffing charges will increase by $5 to offset higher labor costs in the custodial contract.
District leaders said the increases are modest, noted that many peer districts had not adjusted fees for years, and emphasized that the district will continue to waive fees for families qualifying for free or reduced‑price school meals (direct certification). Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Bridal Lynch and Athletic Director Danny Erickson described officials and transportation as the primary cost drivers for athletics and said one‑time fees, uniforms and supplies are also offset by the district’s activity revolving accounts.
Why it matters Officials said the increases help the district align fee revenue with operating costs while preserving equitable access: the district’s practice of waiving fees for directly certified households will continue and principals have discretion to offer payment plans or waivers in exceptional circumstances.
Vote and follow up The committee approved the schedule by roll call/voice votes. Lynch said the district will clarify billing and sign‑up communication and include the season/trimester structure and the direct‑certification waiver prominently in outreach materials to families.
Ending Committee members asked staff to add clarifying notes about fee timing (seasonal vs. annual vs. per‑trimester) in published schedules and to make the waiver/payment plan process explicit in family communications.
