Milford board debates tuition, timing for all‑day kindergarten; trustees pause final vote

Trustees at the Milford Exempted Village Board of Education on May 15 reiterated broad support for free all‑day kindergarten but declined to take a final vote, instead directing further review and discussion in the finance committee.

District staff presented background showing 90.5% of Ohio families enrolled in all‑day kindergarten in 2024 and said local demand has grown. Administration also noted the district provided approximately $111,000 in scholarships this year for families who could not afford full‑day tuition.

Board members described academic and retention benefits of full‑day kindergarten while stressing the district’s fiscal constraints. Treasurer Michael Ackerman and other staff told trustees the May amended five‑year forecast is trending in the right direction but that state budget uncertainty — including possible changes to the Fair School Funding Plan and a proposed 30% cap under consideration at the Ohio Legislature — could alter the district’s ability to sustain a new recurring expenditure.

Trustees agreed to continue the discussion in a June finance committee meeting and to wait for additional clarity from the state’s substitute budget language expected in late May or early June. Several board members urged the community to proceed with current family enrollment plans for the 2025‑26 school year because no change has been finalized.

No motion to change kindergarten tuition or schedule was introduced at the May 15 regular meeting; the board emphasized it seeks further data, community input and the state budget outcome before a final decision.

The administration noted options under consideration include using existing classroom space made available by middle‑school construction, potential transportation savings from midday route changes (estimated informally around $150,000), and scholarship support for families in need.