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School committee approves 5% Little Rangers preschool rate increase amid concerns about staff affordability
Summary
The committee voted to approve adjusted rates for the Little Rangers preschool program (two classrooms at Methuen High School) after debate about impact on paraprofessional staff. The program is self-sustaining, serves about 30 children (mostly staff children), and uses a revolving account.
The Methuen School Committee on Jan. 27 approved an adjusted rate schedule for the Little Rangers preschool program (the vote carried with one no). Member Shabilius moved the motion and Member DeZaglia seconded it; the committee recorded one dissenting vote from Member DeZaglia.
Committee discussion focused on the size and purpose of the program and the effect of a 5% rate increase on lower-paid staff. Member DeZaglia said the proposed increase would be “a lot coming out of a paraprofessional’s paycheck” and expressed concern about the impact on staff. Several members noted the district’s preschool offering is priced well below comparable private providers and is a recruitment and retention benefit: Member Willett described comparable private full-day programs that can exceed $1,000 per month.
Staff said the Little Rangers program is self-sustaining (funded through a revolving account), operates two classrooms with about 30 children (approximately 15 in each room), and primarily serves children of teachers and administrators; staff said roughly five slots are held by community members. The program operates extended hours to match staff schedules (staff said it runs to about 4:30 p.m.). Ms. Souza, the EEC teacher, and others described the classrooms as also serving as the high school’s CTE early-childhood lab for student internships.
Members asked for follow-up data: how many program assistants and paraprofessionals currently use Little Rangers, and whether the district could scale slots if space allowed. Member Ouillette noted the program had not increased rates for four years and said the proposed 5% was manageable for this year but warned against repeated large increases in successive years. Member Maxwell asked whether staff children could attend other district preschool options; staff replied that alternatives (Branch Street preschool) exist and that access rules prioritize staff then open seats go to the public.
Motion and vote details (as recorded): Member Shabilius moved to approve the adjusted Little Rangers rates; Member DeZaglia seconded. The motion passed with one no vote (Member DeZaglia). Specific dollar amounts for the new rates were not included in the meeting transcript and are therefore not specified here.
