Canton School Committee approves 3.5% increase to Rodman preschool tuition

The Canton School Committee voted Jan. 9 to increase Rodman Pre‑K tuition by 3.5% for the coming year following a second reading of the policy and a budget analysis from district staff.

Mister Boyle introduced the item as a second read; Mister Lynch summarized analysis comparing neighboring towns’ tuition on an hourly basis and projected impacts at 2–5% potential increases. Lynch recommended 3.5% to help offset inflation and unknown staff‑cost increases tied to ongoing contract negotiations.

Committee members discussed the program’s financing: the preschool tuition revolving account typically carries about $200,000 year to year and is used to support the program’s operating costs and unanticipated staffing needs. Members pressed on whether that balance justified a smaller increase; some members favored a smaller increase (2%–3%) to reduce pressure on families, while others said Canton’s hourly tuition remains lower than neighboring districts and a modest increase would help hold the program’s quality.

Committee member Miss Grouts said the revolving account typically receives roughly $200,000 annually and noted the district used a portion of that balance in fiscal 2024. Mister Lynch said tuition revenue supplements but does not fully cover staff costs; the district retains staff on the operating budget and uses revolving funds for supplies and unanticipated needs.

After discussion the committee entertained a motion for a 3.5% increase, received a second and approved the motion. Committee members noted the change would add roughly $31 annually for a five‑day student compared with a 3% increase and that the increase will be communicated ahead of the Rodman Pre‑K open house scheduled for Jan. 50 [sic, transcript].

Committee members asked staff to continue reporting back on program enrollments, staffing needs and how revolving‑account funds are used so future tuition decisions can reflect actual operating costs.