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School board approves $5 weekly increase for extended‑day care; combined morning and afternoon fee rises to $70
Summary
The board approved consent item 6A to raise extended‑day program fees $5 per week (morning + afternoon package now $70), citing regional comparisons and district intent to remain cost‑effective.
The Indian River County School Board on March 10 approved consent item 6A, increasing the district's extended‑day (before‑ and after‑school) weekly fee by $5. The combined morning‑and‑afternoon rate will rise to $70 per week from $65.
Board member Del Rosario pulled the item for discussion before the consent vote to allow public clarity after community concerns about affordability and timing. "At this point, it's appropriate for us to be able to ask for you all to be able to ask for this increase," Rosario said while moving to pull the item for discussion.
District staff explained the increase is intended to keep the program sustainable while remaining below or comparable to private providers in the county. "We're asking for a $5 rate increase that would take the morning care and the after care program up to $70 per week from $65," the presenting staff member said, adding that the county average for comparable private programs is about $91 per week.
The staff presentation said the district surveyed neighboring counties and found varied offerings; not all districts provide morning care. The board approved the fee change by a 5‑0 vote.
The increase will apply to the 2025 program year; the motion did not include additional program changes or new eligibility criteria. Staff said they will continue to monitor affordability and program access.
