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School committee raises high-school activity and athletics fees for 2025–26, adds annual review requirement
Summary
To cover rising program and transportation costs without cutting activities, the Tewksbury School Committee approved raising club/activity fees to $75 and athletic fees to $225 per sport (family cap $900) for 2025–26 and requested an annual review as part of the budget process.
Tewksbury — The School Committee voted Tuesday to raise fees for high-school clubs and athletics for the 2025–26 school year and to review the fee structure annually during the budget cycle.
School business officials told the committee that revenues for extracurricular clubs and athletic programs have lagged rising expenses, particularly transportation and stipends, and that the district’s budget cannot absorb the shortfall without cutting programs. The committee approved increasing high-school club and activity fees to $75 and athletic participation fees to $225 per sport, with a family cap of $900.
Officials said students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals remain eligible for fee waivers; the administration reported that about 13 percent of athletic registrations in 2024–25 had been waived under the existing policy. The superintendent and business manager also said they will reassess the revenue-vs.-expense relationship in spring 2026 and return to the committee with data and any recommended adjustments.
Committee members who voted for the increase said they preferred raising fees rather than eliminating extracurriculars that provide community and developmental opportunities. “I don't like user fees,” one member said during the discussion, “but we have no choice,” and the committee attached a friendly amendment to ensure staff will evaluate the financial results during next year’s budget review.
The motion carried unanimously by roll call. The committee noted that fee increases aim to preserve programs such as clubs, performing arts and team sports while offering waivers to families in need.
