School committee approves modest increases to user fees and tuition; one member dissents over kindergarten costs

The Marblehead School Committee approved the proposed 2026—27 user-fee and tuition schedule, including a 3% standard increase across many user fees and modest increases in transportation and program tuition. The motion passed on a 3—1 vote after members debated fairness and whether kindergarten and prekindergarten fees should be covered by general revenues rather than parent fees.

John (staff presenter) walked the committee through example changes: modest increases to seasonal athletic fees and music fees, an updated annual maximum for user fees, and a proposed rise in the voluntary paid-ride transportation fee from $2.50 to $2.60 (a roughly $0.44 per day annualized increase example was given). He also explained USDA direct-certification procedures that qualify eligible families automatically for reduced or waived tuition for tuition-based programs and pre-K.

During debate, one committee member said the current level of fees places an undue burden on families and noted that "kindergarten is a free public education in most towns," arguing that charging families for kindergarten programs raises equity concerns. Other members and presenters noted that many activities rely on booster and community support and that fee-waiver processes and booster funding can mitigate access barriers.

The final motion to approve the user-fee and tuition schedule passed 3-1. Committee members directed staff to tighten fee collection procedures so families are properly charged when applicable and to continue to make fee-waiver options available.

Next steps: staff will implement the updated fee schedule for FY2027 and refine internal tracking to reduce missed collections; the committee can revisit fee policy during budget deliberations if needed.