Milford board delays tuition-free all-day kindergarten, directs staff to create payment-flex option

The Milford Exempted Village Board on June 19 agreed to delay any transition to tuition-free all-day kindergarten until at least next year and asked district staff to design a kindergarten payment-flex program for families who cannot pay the $5,000 tuition up front.

Michael (district staff member) told the board the delay will allow the district to monitor the state biennial budget and the district’s own finances before changing the kindergarten tuition model. "Given the current situation there and our financial situation, we're not in a position to give tuition-free all day kindergarten at this time," Michael said.

The board directed administration to develop a simple application and payment form over the next few weeks and to announce the plan in July so families can apply before payments are due in August. The flex plan, as described by Michael, will not eliminate tuition but will allow eligible families to extend payments over a longer period with no penalties or notices as long as they adhere to the agreed payment schedule. He said there will be a minimum monthly-payment threshold and that the district will not approve plans that are “too small or overly extended.”

Board discussion focused on making the payment plan clear on family statements so partial payments do not cause ongoing confusion. A board member asked that monthly payment amounts be displayed as separate line items so families can see a consistent monthly obligation. Board president Mrs. Mason said the proposal is "a step in the right direction" while the district waits for more clarity on state funding.

The board did not make a final policy change or vote on eliminating tuition; the action taken was direction to administration to develop and return with a payment-flex program. Michael and other administrators said they will work with building principals and the district’s fee-collection staff to design the plan and communications materials.

District officials recommended families who can make the standard full payment or standard 10-month installments continue to do so; the flex option is intended for families who need a different monthly schedule. The board asked administration to consider collection-process improvements simultaneously, including clearer communications and involvement of principals and the district’s EMS coordinator, who maintains fee spreadsheets.

The board plans to revisit the tuition-free question next year after the state budget and the district’s financial forecasts are clearer.