Regional school committee approves $5 increase to preschool tuition in 5–2 vote

The Blackstone–Millville Regional School Committee voted 5–2 on Jan. 8 to raise the district’s preschool tuition schedule by $5, approving a change to the $70 line presented in the packet to $75.

Kristen DiNato, the district’s director of finance and operations, told the committee the current published figure showed $70 and that preschool tuition offsets part of the preschool salaries. “Right now, our tuition is $70…we only collect about $100,000,” DiNato said, adding the increase would bring in roughly an additional $20,000 in revenue under the assumptions discussed at the meeting.

Proponents, including the member who made the motion, said the increase would reduce the district’s reliance on the general fund for preschool staffing. “That is going back into — I know where this money goes,” a motioning committee member said, arguing the revenue supports classroom costs.

Opponents questioned the timing and the effect on families. Jane Reggio, a committee member, said, “I firmly believe in education and I firmly believe there should be a place for these young folks to get started reading… but $70 a day for some of our families in our communities is probably what they can make in a day,” urging sensitivity to affordability. The debate included extended clarification of how the district’s rate is structured: staff clarified the packet’s listed amounts are calculated as a monthly charge tied to the number of half-days per week a child attends (the committee noted the materials had caused confusion by using “day” language and confirmed the district bills monthly based on attendance frequency).

After discussion, Committee member (speaker 7) moved to adopt the increase as presented and the chair seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote with five members in favor and two opposed. The committee asked staff to publish the revised tuition schedule promptly so families applying for next year receive accurate information.

The superintendent and finance director said the district will continue to monitor affordability concerns and recommended the committee revisit tuition levels periodically. A member asked that future changes be considered on a regular schedule so families can plan ahead.