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School committee approves new preschool rates, eliminates 2‑day option
Summary
Bridgewater‑Raynham school committee voted to end the two‑day preschool option, raise three‑day and five‑day annual rates to $3,000 and $5,000 respectively, and expects the changes to improve the program’s fiscal sustainability.
The Bridgewater‑Raynham Regional School Committee voted Wednesday to remove the two‑day preschool option and increase annual fees for the district’s peer preschool program to $3,000 for a three‑day week and $5,000 for a five‑day week.
Administrators told the committee the preschool revolving account is not sustainable at current rates and covers roughly 2.2 full‑time equivalent positions in its staffing model. Business office projections presented to the committee estimated the proposed fee structure could generate approximately $85,000 in additional revenue and support three full‑time salaries within the preschool fund.
Superintendent Powers said the recommended rates align with comparable programs the district reviewed. “We felt as though this was, you know, reasonable,” he said, adding administrators expect continued strong demand; the program currently has waiting lists and an estimated 80 students slated for next year.
Committee members discussed the size of the increase and approaches to moderate the impact for families, including developing a policy for regular, small annual adjustments rather than a single large increase. Members also asked whether the district accepts childcare vouchers; Powers responded, “We do not.”
The motion to place the change on the floor was made by Tim Fitzgibbons and seconded by Mr. Walsh; the committee voted in favor. A recorded tally was not read into the transcript.
Why it matters: the change is both a program‑level and budget decision; administrators said it would stabilize the preschool revolving fund and allow staff coverage without drawing on the operating budget.
Officials said students who receive special education services or who qualify under IDEA are not charged for services covered by an IEP; the pay rates apply to the peer tuition program only.
