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School committee approves early‑pickup afterschool rate at $15 per day; financial aid to continue
Summary
The committee approved a new 4 p.m. early‑pickup afterschool option and set the daily rate at $15 after discussion about staffing, survey results and financial assistance. The motion passed on a 7‑0 roll call.
The school committee approved a new early‑pickup afterschool strand that provides a 4 p.m. pickup option and set the daily rate at $15 after discussion and a motion by Member Graham, seconded by Member Rousseau. The committee voted 7‑0 in favor.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Gallucci and program director Megan Fidler Carey explained that the district had previously approved rates for a 6 p.m. pickup ($533 monthly; $29.64 daily) and proposed prorated rates for the 4 p.m. slot. Based on survey results, about 30% of respondents indicated interest in the earlier pickup option; many families followed up with additional preferences.
Committee members debated the appropriate daily rate for the shorter shift. Member Russo called $9 per day “outrageously low,” and Member Graham argued the shorter shift still carries fixed costs and administrative overhead and proposed $15. Director Fidler Carey said the early shift would be a condensed program with a single group leader and supporting staff and that staffing would aim for a roughly 1:10 ratio. The program offers financial assistance using community development block grant criteria and reported about $45,000 in financial aid for related programs this year.
Members also discussed operational details including fixed‑day options (two‑ or three‑day fixed schedules) and the process for rolling seats out first to currently enrolled families and then to those on waiting lists. The committee asked administration to analyze fiscal impacts of higher rates for future consideration.
