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Benicia Unified approves CDU childcare fee increases; trustees raise staffing and space concerns
Summary
Benicia Unified approved higher fees for CDU preschool and after-school programs to offset rising salary and benefit costs while aiming to keep CDU cost-neutral to the general fund.
The Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an updated fee schedule for the district's Child Development Unit (CDU) preschool and after-school programs during the April meeting. District staff said the adjustment is intended to keep the CDU cost-neutral amid rising operating costs, primarily staff salaries and benefits.
Why the increase: CDU program leaders told the board that program rates had not risen for several years while operating costs, especially salaries and benefits, had increased. The district used a cost-of-living (COLA) benchmark and a local market review of private childcare providers and comparable districts to set the new rates. Staff said the intent is to avoid subsidizing CDU from the district's general fund.
Trustee concerns: Trustees asked about the CDU wait list and whether rate changes would affect demand. Staff said demand remains high, that there is a wait list at some sites, and that hiring qualified early-education staff is a major constraint. The board discussed potential space solutions (shared spaces, libraries, multi-purpose rooms) and noted that proposed Measure-funded facility improvements do not in themselves increase current CDU capacity for the immediately upcoming year.
Equity and fee waivers: Staff explained that families qualifying for free and reduced-price meals, foster/homeless youth and English learners are eligible for expanded-learning programs and that families who qualify should complete the free/reduced application to verify eligibility; that verification, staff said, can lead to free after-school care through district programs.
Board action: Following the presentation and trustee discussion, a motion to approve the childcare fee schedule carried by voice vote. Staff will publish the new schedule and notify affected families.
Next steps: Facilities and early-learning staff will continue to evaluate options to address space and staffing constraints; CDU staff will publish the updated fee schedule and provide enrollment/wait-list updates to the board.
