Groton-Dunstable School Committee delays kindergarten fee reduction, keeps $125,000 in revolving account

Groton-Dunstable Regional School District School Committee members voted Feb. 5 to roll back prior guidance that would have directed the administration to absorb $125,000 from the kindergarten revolving account into the general fund for FY26, leaving the kindergarten fee at $4,200 for the coming year.

The decision came after staff outlined the revolving account’s role and committee members expressed concerns about the district’s overall budget pressure and the timing of any fee reduction. The motion to reverse the committee’s earlier guidance passed by voice/roll call; members recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.

The kindergarten revolving account funds roughly $400,000 a year of full‑ and partial‑day kindergarten costs, staff member Sherry told the committee. The committee had previously signaled a plan to absorb more full‑day kindergarten costs into the general fund to reduce the per‑family fee; the guidance under consideration would have directed moving $125,000 from the revolving account into the general fund. Sherry said the district is reviewing collections and is “trending to at least cover the cost for this year.” She said that if a surplus is confirmed later this year she could recommend a modest fee reduction — giving the example of a reduction from $4,200 to $4,000 — but emphasized that any larger absorption would add to pressure on the general fund.

Committee members framed the vote around timing and affordability. Lacey, a School Committee member who opened the discussion, said the committee remains committed to the objective of tuition‑free, full‑day kindergarten but does not feel comfortable reducing reliance on the fee while the district faces budget shortfalls and the potential need for an override in both towns. Rosanna and other members described the fee as an equity concern and said they support the goal of eliminating it over time but that current fiscal constraints justify holding off on the change. School Committee member Yasmine, among others, said limited internal capacity for generating additional revenue makes it impractical to reduce fees now.

Laurie asked whether possible changes in kindergarten class sizes could alter staffing and budget calculations; Dr. Bruno, the superintendent, said he did not anticipate kindergarten class sizes exceeding 25 to 26 students regardless of budget scenarios and that staff do not expect class‑size changes to materially change the near‑term budget math. Several members asked that the district amplify outreach about existing financial‑assistance options for families, including website postings and social media, to reduce unexpected hardship for incoming families.

Roe submitted a written statement read into the record stating support for the goal of reducing kindergarten fees but urging that any reduction occur only when the district’s finances are strong enough to absorb revenue loss without cutting essential services.

The committee’s motion instructed administration to leave the $125,000 in the kindergarten revolving account rather than absorbing it into the general fund for the FY26 budget; members said they will revisit the question if year‑end collections or other revenues change the district’s fiscal position.

The committee will receive the formal budget book at next week’s meeting and expects further discussion of potential overrides and related budget choices then. Staff signaled they will report back if collections show a surplus that could warrant a modest fee reduction later in the year.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the meeting transcript and include School Committee members and district staff.